Caribbean Royal Palm

Scientific name: Roystonea oleracea

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 53.82″ N, 64° 49′ 47.40″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers –

Common Name: Caribbean Royal Palm
Scientific Name: Roystonea oleracea (Jacq.) O.F. Cook
Family: Arecaceae

Leaf Phenology

  • Evergreen: Yes
  • Leaf Emergence: Continuous throughout the year; new fronds unfurl from the crownshaft in a spiral pattern.
  • Senescence: Older fronds droop downward and eventually die, turning brown before detaching.
  • Observation Note: The number of green vs. brown fronds visible can indicate general vitality. Browning fronds are more common during drought stress.

Flowering

  • Type: Monoecious (male and female flowers on the same plant)
  • Inflorescence Location: Arises just below the crownshaft; large, branched and spreading
  • Blooming Period (Caribbean): Primarily March–August, but can flower year-round under optimal conditions
  • Phenological Indicator: Open creamy-white to pale-yellow flowers, with heavy pollinator activity (bees, flies)

Fruiting

  • Fruit Type: Single-seeded drupe
  • Fruit Development: Begins green and turns purple to black when mature
  • Maturation Period: Typically 3–4 months after flowering
  • Phenological Indicator: Dropping or visible ripe black fruits around base of palm or in crown

Suggested Photo Angles

  • Full view showing crownshaft and overall stature
  • Close-up of inflorescence during bloom
  • Mature fruits in crown or fallen
  • Browning fronds (seasonal or stress-related)
  • Crownshaft showing leaf emergence

Notes for Monitoring

Fruit drop and frond browning may be more seasonal depending on rainfall or storm impact.

Because Roystonea oleracea can flower and fruit throughout the year in tropical conditions, it’s helpful to track peak periods of flowering and fruiting for local calibration.

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