CARIBBEAN ROYAL PALM – Roystonea oleracea
Arecaceae - the palm family
Royal palms are among the world’s tallest trees. They are native to the Caribbean and were brought to the Hawaiian Islands by Dr. William Hillebrand in the late 1800's. Dr. Hillebrand made his home in Foster Garden, and probably planted this exceptional tree.
Perhaps you’ve seen Royal Palms impressively lining an avenue in the tropics. Notice the shiny green crownshaft at the top of the grayish trunk and the purplish-black fruit clusters.