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kermadec island nikau palm

The Kermadec Island Nikau Palm is a truly unique and sought-after variety of New Zealand’s only native palm. Endemic to the remote Kermadec Islands, this palm (Rhopalostylis cheesmanii) stands out for its graceful appearance and exceptional adaptability. Its slender trunk, lush feather-like fronds, and robust growth habit make it a prized addition to any subtropical or coastal garden. Despite the Kermadec Islands’ rugged conditions, the Kermadec Island Nikau Palm thrives in New Zealand’s milder climates, making it a favourite among plant collectors and landscape designers aiming to capture the beauty of New Zealand’s subtropical flora.

Rhopalostylis sapida palms growing as a cluster.

Rhopalostylis sapida

Rhopalostylis sapida, commonly known as Nikau Palm, is a fast-growing and beautiful Palm tree. From a central trunk, it produces large and broad fronds with a gentle arch. They are dark green, handsome, and enable this NZ native to grow to about 10 m tall with a spread of 6 m. Rhopalostylis sapida is highly sought after and very popular.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 12.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Modern, Native, Tropical
A fabulous Dracaena marginata (Madagascar Dragon Tree).

Dracaena marginata

Dracaena marginata, commonly known as the Madagascar Dragon Tree, features sword-like leaves which are borne as a cluster atop a slender trunk. It typically grows to 1.2 m tall and 60 cm wide, but is often kept to smaller sizes when grown indoors.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 1.75 m
Spread: 60 cm
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Chinese Windmill Palms planted as a cluster.
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm ideal for New Zealand gardens. It features a tall, slender...

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Palm Tree Fertiliser

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

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Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) in a luxurious garden.
Cycas revoluta

Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, King Sago, Sago Cycad, or Japanese Sago Palm, is an impressive and popular, small Palm tree. It...

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Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

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Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

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Cordyline stricta plants growing in their native setting.
Cordyline stricta

Cordyline stricta, commonly known as the Slender Palm Lily, features narrow, strap like, green leaves held on upright stems which gives a very lush...

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Large Dracaena draco (Canary Islands Dragon Tree) specimen trees.
Dracaena draco

Dracaena draco, commonly known as the Canary Islands Dragon Tree, is a striking, slow-growing evergreen ideal for New Zealand landscapes. It forms a...

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Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Forget Me Not) plant with lush green foliage and stunning blue flowers.
Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not)

Myosotidium hortensia, commonly known as the Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not, is a distinctive and recognisable NZ native. The plants have large...

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Rhopalostylis cheesmanii specimen palms.
Rhopalostylis cheesmanii

Rhopalostylis cheesmanii, commonly known as the Kermadec Nikau, is a rare and beautiful palm native to the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand. This...

OUT OF STOCK
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Rhopalostylis chathamica 'Pitti'

Rhopalostylis chathamica 'Pitti' is a beautiful New Zealand nikau palm selection valued for its robust growth, lush green fronds, and elegant upright...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis 'Chatham Islands' nikau palm tree.
Rhopalostylis sapida 'Chatham Islands' (Nīkau)

Rhopalostylis sapida 'Chatham Islands' is a striking form of the iconic New Zealand Nikau Palm, naturally found on the Chatham Islands. This variety...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis 'Great Barrier' palms with lush, green foliage for sale.
Rhopalostylis sapida 'Great Barrier' (Nikau Palm Tree)

Rhopalostylis sapida 'Great Barrier' is a striking native palm valued for its thick trunk glossy green fronds and robust form. Selected from Great...

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Rhopalostylis baueri palm tree in a native reserve.
Rhopalostylis baueri (Nikau Palm Tree)

Rhopalostylis baueri is a graceful palm valued for its smooth trunk elegant crownshaft and arching deep green fronds. Native to Norfolk Island, it is...

OUT OF STOCK
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Rhopalostylis 'Pitt Island' (Pitt Island Nikau Palm)

Rhopalostylis 'Pitt Island' is an elegant evergreen palm valued for its lush tropical foliage, smooth trunk, and graceful upright form. The large...

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Phoenix reclinata (Senegal Date Palm)

Phoenix reclinata is a striking clumping palm valued for its arching green fronds and graceful, multi stemmed growth habit. The foliage creates a...

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Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' palm tree.
Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' (Atlas Mountain Palm)

Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' is a striking evergreen palm valued for its beautiful silver blue fan shaped foliage and naturally clumping growth...

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Chamaerops humilis (Dwarf Fan Palm)

Chamaerops humilis (European Fan Palm) is a hardy evergreen palm admired for its attractive fan shaped foliage, clumping growth habit, and...

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Chamaedorea woodsoniana palm tree.
Chamaedorea woodsoniana (Woodsoniana Palm)

Chamaedorea woodsoniana, commonly known as Palmilla, is a rare and elegant palm valued for its tall, slender form and graceful foliage. Native to...

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Large Phoenix sylvestris palm trees.
Phoenix sylvestris (Silver Date Palm)

Phoenix sylvestris is an attractive evergreen palm valued for its tall, slender trunk and graceful crown of arching blue green fronds. The foliage...

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Jubaea chilensis palm tree with large fronds growing in a park.
Jubaea chilensis (Coquito Palm)

Jubaea chilensis, commonly known as the Chilean Wine Palm, is a majestic and long lived palm native to South America. Famous for its thick grey trunk...

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Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (King Palm) specimen tree with lush, green fronds.
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (King Palm)

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, commonly known as the King Palm, is a tall and slender Palm Tree from Australia. It carries long, elegant, glossy...

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Laccospadix australasica (Atherton Palm)

Laccospadix australasica (Atherton Palm) is an elegant tropical style palm valued for its slender trunks, arching green fronds, and lush natural...

OUT OF STOCK
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Rhopalostylis baueri 'Norfolk Island'

Rhopalostylis baueri 'Norfolk Island' is an elegant feather palm with a smooth grey trunk and a lush crown of arching deep green fronds. Native to...

OUT OF STOCK
Ravenea rivularis (Majesty Palm) specimen tree.
Ravenea rivularis

Ravenea rivularis, commonly known as the Majestic Palm or Majesty Palm, features bright green fronds that are borne as a crown off a slightly swollen...

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A Dioon spinulosum specimen tree with lush, green fronds.
Dioon spinulosum (Gum Palm)

Dioon spinulosum is a majestic cycad native to Mexico and prized for its bold, architectural presence. Known as one of the tallest cycads in the...

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Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) is a graceful, fast growing palm known for its arching fronds and tropical appearance. This elegant tree adds...

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Archontophoenix purpurea palm trees in a tropical-themed garden.
Archontophoenix purpurea (Mt Lewis Palm)

Archontophoenix purpurea, commonly known as the Purple King Palm, is a tall and slender Palm from Australia. It features elegant and lush, mid-green...

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Indoor Palm Growing Media

Indoor Palm Growing Media is a specially blended potting mix designed to support healthy growth in indoor palms. It provides good drainage, aeration...

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Oraniopsis appendiculata palm tree.
Oraniopsis appendiculata

Oraniopsis appendiculata is a rare and impressive palm from Australia, admired for its stately form and resilience. With its large, feathery fronds...

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Rhopalostylis sapida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Arthropodium, Cordyline, and Cycas, or related Categories - Palm Tree Fertiliser, Palms, and Cycad.

Search kermadec island nikau palm

What Makes the Kermadec Island Nikau Palm Unique?

The Kermadec Island Nikau Palm is distinguished from other nikau palms by its faster growth rate, smoother trunk, and prominent crownshaft. Its resilience is remarkable, having evolved in isolation, which also makes it less susceptible to many pests and diseases. With its upright, arching fronds and attractive ringed stem, this palm adds elegant structure and a lush, tropical vibe to gardens from Auckland to Wellington.

Ideal Growing Conditions

If you're considering planting a Kermadec Island Nikau Palm, you’ll be pleased to know it adapts well to a variety of situations. While it prefers a sheltered spot with dappled light, it can tolerate coastal winds and cooler temperatures. It thrives best in rich, free-draining soil with regular moisture and benefits from mulch to keep the roots cool and protected. This palm works beautifully as a feature specimen or as part of a mixed planting with other subtropical plants.

Landscaping With Nikau Palms

The Kermadec Island Nikau Palm is perfect for creating a New Zealand-inspired palm grove or for bringing lush greenery to shady corners. Its compact size when young means it suits courtyards and smaller gardens as well. For collectors interested in exploring the wonderful diversity within the nikau group, consider pairing the Kermadec Island Nikau Palm with these other unique varieties:
- Rhopalostylis cheesmanii: The true Kermadec Island Nikau, ideal for coastal gardens.
- Rhopalostylis chathamica Pitti (Rhopalostylis): A robust palm from the Chatham Islands.
- Rhopalostylis sapida: The classic New Zealand nikau.
- Rhopalostylis sapida Chatham Islands (Nīkau): A distinctive island form.
- Rhopalostylis sapida Great Barrier (Nikau Palm Tree): Rare and highly ornamental.

Care Tips for Kermadec Island Nikau Palm

Keep your Kermadec Island Nikau Palm healthy and thriving by protecting it from harsh frosts, especially while young. Water regularly during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, contributing to strong root growth. With time, this palm rewards you with striking form and lush greenery that embody the subtropical spirit of Aotearoa.

Ready to add the Kermadec Island Nikau Palm to your landscape? Explore our collection and discover how these remarkable palms can transform your garden into a sanctuary of native beauty.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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