Howea forsteriana (F.Muell.) Becc.

Slender tree to 20 m high. Leaves 3–4 (–5) m long; petiole 100–167 cm long; pinnae 30–60 cm long, borne horizontally, drooping; central and lower leaves horizontal or drooping from crown and upper leaves ± erect. Inflorescence of 3–5 (–8) similar spikes, c. 1 m long, all enclosed at base by a common prophyll, pendulous; peduncle flattened, 3–5 cm long; spikes 0.7–1.25 m long, each with its own peduncular bract. Male flower creamy brown; stamens 65–100. Fruit ellipsoidal, gradually tapered towards apex, 3–5 cm long, bright or dull red.

On coralline and basalt soils, especially on flat calcarenite sites, from sea level to about 300 m, often in pure stands (Green 1994: 410); widespread in the lowlands, preferring flat sites with sandy soils, usually in dense stands and forms large monocultures (Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) 2007: Appendices 168).

A favoured indoor potted plant. Seed has been harvested from Island forests since 1870. A palm nursery on the Island now germinates the seeds and markets seedlings. Plantations of palms have been grown on the Island from 1984. Plantations have also been established in other countries as a commercial species, notably Norfolk Island and the Canary Islands. (Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) 2007: Appendices 168). A history of the Kentia industry is provided by Hutton (1986: 38–39).

Can be grown by seedlings.