Nīkau palm Rhopalostylis sapida
Nīkau palm (Rhopalostylis sapida) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Arecaceae family, native to New Zealand (endemic). It grows 5–12 m (16–39 ft) tall and 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Nīkau palm in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Nīkau palm at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Mature height | 5–12 m (16–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Nīkau palm toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Nīkau palm
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Nīkau palm
- How far apart should I plant Nīkau palm?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft).
- Does Nīkau palm need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Nīkau palm need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Nīkau palm?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- Is Nīkau palm poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Nīkau palm?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Nīkau palm. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- Flora of New Zealand and Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga (Māori plant use), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Notes and assumptions
- The world’s southernmost palm (to Banks Peninsula and the Chathams); a bulging green crownshaft. Very slow: decades before a trunk forms.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Coconut palm Cocos nucifera
- Date palm Phoenix dactylifera
- Açaí palm Euterpe oleracea
- Mexican fan palm Washingtonia robusta
- African oil palm Elaeis guineensis
- Areca palm (golden cane palm) Dypsis lutescens
- Chilean wine palm Jubaea chilensis
- Joey palm Johannesteijsmannia altifrons