Manila Palm Adonidia merrillii

The Christmas palm is a fast-growing, tropical perennial in the palm family (Arecaceae). It is native to the Philippines but grown the world over in warm climates. The genus name means “little Adonis” and refers to the handsome but small stature of the palm. The species epithet honors early 20th-century American botanist Elmer D. Merrill, an authority on the Philippine flora.

This palm can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is not fussy about soil type, but it does require regular irrigation. It is highly sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures so may be best planted in a container that can be moved indoors during the winter. Container plants are often sold with three plants per pot, giving the illusion of a multi-stemmed palm. This palm is susceptible to lethal yellowing, a disease that devastated susceptible palms in Florida. Outdoor specimens of this palm in Florida periodically contract the disease and succumb quickly. The disease is not transmitted through the seeds, and seedlings germinate and grow so quickly that the palm has never lost its appeal among gardeners and growers. 

The Christmas Palm, with its slender gray trunk, grows quickly to about 6 feet, then slows, retaining its shape until it reaches its maximum height of 25 feet. These solitary palms support arching green leaves that are 4 to 5 feet long, with stiffly erect leaflets. In mid-summer, conspicuous clusters of cream-colored flowers appear below the leaf crown, followed by 1-inch green fruit, which ripen to red. The common name, Christmas palm, refers to the time of the year when the green fruit turns red. The red and green fruits seem to carry a Christmas theme.

Suited to small residential landscapes and can be used as a street tree in tropical climates. It can be grown as a large houseplant or as a greenhouse or conservatory subject.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Susceptible to an incurable phytoplasma disease called lethal yellowing.  It can also suffer from boron deficiency.  Use a palm-specific fertilizer when growing in low-nutrient soil.