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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.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, 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 trunk topped with large, fan-shaped green leaves that create a tropical look. This palm grows slowly to about 8 m tall and 2 m wide.

From $425.89

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
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Palm Tree Fertiliser (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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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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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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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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Howea forsteriana palm tree in a garden.
Howea forsteriana

Howea forsteriana, commonly known as the Kentia Palm, is a popular and elegant Palm tree. It has a thin, slender trunk that supports feathery...

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Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
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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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Olearia traversii plant with white flowers and green foliage.
Olearia traversii

Olearia traversii, commonly known as Chatham Island Ake Ake, is a hardy New Zealand native tree valued for its upright form and resilience. This...

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

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Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Palm)

Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm) is a distinctive ornamental plant admired for its swollen trunk base and long arching leaves. This unique plant...

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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
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
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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...

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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
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...

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...

OUT OF STOCK
Large Phoenix sylvestris palm trees.
Phoenix sylvestris (Silver Date Palm)

Phoenix sylvestris, commonly known as Silver Date Palm, Indian Date, or Sugar Date Palm, is a large Palm tree that may reach 12 m tall and 6 m wide...

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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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Phoenix reclinata (Senegal Date Palm)

Phoenix reclinata, commonly known as the Senegal Date Palm or Arabian Date Palm, is Palm tree that may reach 12 m tall and 6 m wide but often grows...

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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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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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Laccospadix australasica (Atherton Palm)

Commonly known as the Atherton Palm, this is a smaller palm grown for its lovely form and elegant foliage. The finely divided fronds emerge red-brown...

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Phoenix dactylifera tree with red berries.
Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm)

Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as the Date Palm, this Palm tree that may reach 30 m tall and 8 m wide but often grows as a bushy clump to sizes...

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Indoor Palm Growing Media

The Plant Company growing media for Palms is as used by the best commercial nurseries. This blend has been developed over many years to provide...

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Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm)

Phoenix roebelenii, commonly known as the Dwarf Date Palm, Miniature Date Palm, or Pygmy Date Palm, is a delightful and popular Palm tree. It...

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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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Phoenix canariensis tree with lush foliage.
Phoenix canariensis

Phoenix canariensis, commonly known as the Canary Island Date Palm, Pineapple Palm, or Slender Date Palm, features feather-like leaves that are a 4–6...

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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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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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Rhopalostylis sapida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cordyline, Cycas, and Hedera, or related Categories - Palm Tree Fertiliser, Evergreen Climbers, 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.

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There’s more to explore beyond Gardenia radicans and Lomandra 'Tanika' — like the subtle beauty of Carex testacea, Geum 'Can Can', and Thymus 'Emerald Carpet'.
–The Plant Company

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