Nitida Palm

Livistona nitida 

Carnarvon Gorge Fan Palm

Cold hardy

 

The Nitida Palm is a somewhat obscure species from a single remote location known as the Carnarvon Gorge in central Queensland in Australia. It was named “nitida” (Latin for bright, shining) for its highly glossy jet black fruits. Nitida Palms are commonly known in some areas as Carnarvon Palms. They are a fairly recent introduction to cultivation so still relatively rare.

 

The Livistona Nitida Palm is heat and cold tolerant, drought tolerant, moderately fast growing, and will do well in most any garden. The palm’s dark green foilage, attractive thatched trunk, cold hardiness and pest resistance all contribute to its desirability.

 

Specifications

 

The Nitida Palm is normally grown in Zones 9 and up and is cold tolerant down to 24 degrees farenheit. The Nitida Palm is quite hardy and can be grown to at least 8-B if planted in protected areas.

 

Can reach 100 feet tall but is more normally 40 to 50 feet tall.  

 

Full sun or light shade for mature trees. Young trees do better with filtered light. 

 

Care

 

The Nitida Palm will perform well in a variety of soil types. For best growth, this palm seems to prefer finer textured soils with good moisture and nutrient holding capacity. 

 

Likes moist, well-drained soil.  For re-establishment or a faster growth rate, water using even or fairly high application rates. Water regularly but do not overwater.  When established, Livistona Nitida will tolerate periods of drought or occasional flooding. 

 

Monthly application of fertilizer from mid-April to September and a little pruning back of old fronds in the spring and autumn.

 

Spacing

 

The Nitida Palm is a large canopy palm so you will probably want to space it 12-15 feet apart if planting adjacent to others.  

 

Landscaping with Nitida Palms

 

• Can be used for avenue planting or in groups with staggered heights. 

 

• This is a newly introduced species that can be used as a more attractive alternative to Washingtonias.

 

• The large glossy dark green fronds of the Livistona nitida and its sturdy single trunk make it a natural focal point. 

 

• Very effective in a container when placed in a pot on a patio 

 

• used as an interesting feature in a courtyard

 

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