Fiji Fan Palm

Scientific name: Pritchardia pacifica

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Not Evaluated

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 54.67″ N, 64° 49′ 51.69″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Pritchardia pacifica (Fiji Fan Palm)

Family: Arecaceae (Palm family)
Common Names: Fiji Fan Palm, Pacific Fan Palm
Habitat: Native to the islands of Tonga and Fiji; commonly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, including the Caribbean, as an ornamental palm. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.

Phenological Markers:

  • Flowering Period:
    Typically flowers in mid to late spring (April to June). Inflorescences are slender, slightly arching, and extend beyond the leaves, bearing small, creamy-white flowers.
  • Fruiting Period:
    Fruits mature approximately 4 to 6 months after flowering, usually in late summer to early fall (August to October). The fruits are round, glossy black drupes about 1–1.5 cm in diameter.
  • Leaf Fall:
    Evergreen, but older leaves naturally yellow and die off as new ones form. Dead fronds are typically shed or hang down unless manually pruned.
  • Budding Period:
    New fronds emerge continuously but peak during the rainy season or early warm months (March to May), often in conjunction with flowering.

Key Features:

  • Leaves: Large, nearly circular fan-shaped leaves (up to 1.5 meters wide), bright green on both surfaces, with a distinctive folded texture.
  • Trunk: Smooth, grayish trunk that is slender and ringed with leaf scars.
  • Flowers: Small, creamy-white, clustered on long stalks that emerge from between the leaves.
  • Fruits: Small black drupes that ripen in clusters and attract birds.

Additional Notes:

Culturally significant in Polynesia, where its leaves were traditionally used for ceremonial fans and shelter.

Pritchardia pacifica is highly valued in landscaping for its tropical appearance, wind tolerance, and compact stature, usually growing to 10–15 meters.

While not native to the Caribbean, it has been successfully cultivated in places like St. Croix due to its adaptability to sandy and limestone-based soils.

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