Scientific name: Roystonea borinquena

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 57.92″ N, 64° 49′ 45.59″ W

Medicinal Uses

Roystonea borinquena, the Puerto Rico Royal Palm, does not have widely documented or scientifically supported medicinal uses; however, the related Roystonea regia (Cuban Royal Palm) has traditional uses, with its roots used as a diuretic and for diabetes, and its leaves in decoctions for nervous and digestive issues, though these lack scientific validation. The primary uses for R. borinquena focus on food (palm heart, cooked leaves) and materials (thatch, construction), with its flowers attracting bees for honey.

Observations:

Phenological Markers:

Scientific name: Roystonea borinquena
Common Name: Puerto Rican Royal Palm
Family: Arecaceae (Palm Family)

Phenophase	Indicator
Leaf Emergence	Continuous; new fronds (leaves) appear throughout the year in a spiral crown.
Mature Green Leaves	Present year-round; large pinnate fronds typically 10–15 ft long.
Leaf Senescence	Individual fronds yellow and drop regularly; not seasonally driven.
Inflorescence Emergence	Cream-colored flower clusters emerge below crownshaft, most visible in spring to early summer.
Flowering	Peak bloom from March to June, with intermittent flowering possible year-round in warm climates.
Fruit Development	Begins shortly after flowering; green fruits appear in clusters.
Fruit Ripening	Typically July to November; fruits turn purplish-black when ripe.
Fruit Drop	Ripe fruit may drop or be eaten by birds and bats; cleanup may be needed.
Trunk Growth	Continuous; gray, smooth trunk thickens slowly over time.
Crownshaft Presence	Permanent feature; smooth green sheath below fronds, always visible.

Observation Tips

– Look for inflorescences beneath the green crownshaft.
– Check beneath the tree for fallen fruits (dark, marble-sized) to confirm fruiting period.
– Note yellowing lower fronds, a normal part of growth and not necessarily disease.

Location Notes

Common in landscaping across St. Croix; prefers full sun and well-drained soil.