the genus
ARENGA

From a native name of Java, “aren”

Subfamily: Arecoideae
Tribe: Caryoteae

The tribe includes only a few other genera such as Caryota and Wallichia.

Arenga is a mostly tropical genus of 17 species of graceful pinnate-leafed palms known as “Sugar Palms”, because the sap of some species is tapped to produce sugar. Some dwarf species are surprisingly hardy to frost, such as Arenga engleri, a native of Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands. As in the related genus Caryota, the tropical varieties of Arenga become tall, solitary trees. Shrubby species such as A. engleri produce clustering stems bearing massive fronds, forming clumps to 12’ across. These make striking, lush specimens for gardens, especially good near water. The wedge-shaped leaflets remain dark green above and are attractively silver below.

Culture: Sugar Palms succeed in shady or sunny positions with rich, well-drained soils and ample moisture. The lush foliage may be damaged by hard frost, but will recover. When well sited, Arenga species can be fast growing in the right conditions.

Arenga engleri
Common Name: Formosa Palm
Cold Tolerance: 23F (-5C) USDA Zones: 9b-11

Typical Height: 8'-9' Growth Rate: Moderate
Habit: Clumping

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 15–200gal.