Palm - Howea forsteriana (Kentia)

The genus Howea owes its name to the Howe Islands, from which these plants originate. It’s a medium-sized (up to 15 m in its natural environment), evergreen and slow-growing palm. The trunk is smooth, short and woody, furrowed by parallel rings at regular intervals. The fronds are curved, carried by a long petiole; in spring the inflorescences have the aspect of long cylindrical panicles with whitish flowers, that turn into yellow oval fruits, sometimes brown. They are easy to grow and very popular as house plants. In nature, Kentia plants are present in sunny locations and temperate climates, but their undemanding nature allows them to thrive even in conditions that are less than ideal. During winter months it’s recommended not to expose the plant to temperatures below 12°C.