Veitchia merrillii commonly called Christmas Palm or Manila Palm originated in the Philippines and the South Pacific and has adapted well in Guyana, the Caribbean and Florida. In its native Philippines this palm is a popular landscaping plant in the capital, hence the name ‘Manila Palm’. It can be best described as a dwarf version of a Royal Palm which it matches in beauty if not in height.
The Manila Palm is a single stem palm which has a smooth, grayish stem ringed by semi-circular frond scars and slightly swollen at the base. It has a short green crownshaft, which supports its neatly compact crown of about a dozen plus pinnate leaves and can grow to a height of approximately 10 to 15 feet.
During the year, green berries can be seen on the trunk, but they begin to ripen by early December to brilliant red berries looking almost like Christmas ornaments – hence the name ‘Christmas Palm’.
This palm is also a popular landscaping palm in south Florida. In addition, the late Iris Bannochie and her husband John grew them in the famous Andromeda Gardens in Barbados.
Here in Guyana, the Christmas Palm is becoming popular in our local landscape, rapidly replacing the traditional Royal Palm. If you are looking for an elegant palm to line your driveway, the Christmas Palm is an eye-catching choice.
Splashmin’s Resort has a good display of them and they can also be seen in the Promenade Gardens, Botanical Gardens and the Indian Monument Gardens.
This palm grows well in well-drained soil in any tropical country or in hothouses in colder countries. Plant your Christmas Palm outdoor in full sun. Fertilise with Osmocote Slow Release Fertilizer every 3 months. It can be grown by seeds, but small plants are also available for sale. Until next week, Happy Gardening.
