Acanthophoenix rubra H.Wendl.

A solitary palm. It is slender with a rounded crown. It grows to 15 m tall. The trunk can be 18 cm across. The trunk is narrow and has rings of old leaf scars. It is spiny and has feathery leaves. The fronds are 1.5 m long. The crownshaft is well developed. It is swollen. The new leaves can be dark green to reddish. The leaflets hang down. They are close together giving a feather like appearance. Flower colour ranges from yellow, pink, red or purplish. The fruit can be 1 cm long by 0.7 cm across. They are in clusters and are black.

It grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It needs to be in a frost free place. It needs well drained soil. In Mauritius it grows above 500 m above sea level. In Reunion it grows between 500-1,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate readily. Germination takes 2-4 months. Seeds grow better if soaked before planting. Young plants are best in light shade.