Onilahy Palm

Onilahy Palm or Dypsis onilahensis is endemic to Madagascar as is reflected in the species name (onilahensis) referring to the Onilahy River, south of Toliara. Like so many, it is threatened by habitat loss but is slowly becoming better known as option for garden cultivation.

Dypsis onilahensis is a pinnate leaved, clustering palm typically growing in clusters of 3 - 10 trees with adult trees in ideal conditions growing to 10 – 20m high in height with stems of around 15 cm in diameter. Stems are typically grey at the base and dark green towards the crown with ringed bands and surrounding the circumference of the stem. Leaves grow up to 2m in length with up to 70 pinnate leaflets of 30cm or more and arch pendulously downwards giving the palm a very graceful and pronounced weeping appearance. Beautiful form.