This graceful tropical palm is the Christmas Palm, Adonidia merrillii. It is also called the Manila Palm and is native to parts of the Philippines and nearby areas of Southeast Asia. Today, it is widely planted throughout tropical and subtropical regions as an ornamental palm.

The Christmas Palm is relatively small compared with many royal or coconut palms, usually developing a slender, smooth gray trunk topped by a neat crown of arching, feather-shaped leaves. Its compact size makes it especially popular along walkways, near buildings and in smaller gardens.

The trunk is marked with rings left behind by fallen leaves. Just below the crown is a smooth green crownshaft formed by the tightly wrapped bases of the fronds. The overall appearance is tidy and symmetrical.

Small cream-colored flowers are produced on branching stalks that emerge beneath the crownshaft. Male and female flowers occur on the same flower cluster, and insects assist with pollination.

After flowering, the palm develops large clusters of oval fruits. These begin green and gradually turn orange and then bright scarlet as they mature. The colorful fruits often ripen during the Christmas season, which explains the common name.

The fruits may look attractive, but this palm is grown for decoration rather than as a food crop. Fallen fruit can also create a mess beneath heavily fruiting trees, and visitors should not sample it.

Christmas Palms are frequently planted in groups of two or three trunks. These clusters often appear to be a naturally branching palm, but each trunk is actually a separate plant growing beside the others.

The species prefers warm temperatures, bright sunlight and well-drained soil. It tolerates coastal tropical conditions reasonably well, although it is more vulnerable to cold than many larger landscape palms.

This is a palm whose appeal comes from proportion and color. Its slender ringed trunk, compact green crown and brilliant red fruit clusters create an elegant tropical display without requiring the enormous space needed by many other palms.

When the fruits are fully colored, it can look almost as though the palm has decorated itself for Christmas.