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

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.