Description

• Adonidia merrillii, commonly known as the Manila palm or Christmas palm, is a small to medium-sized palm in the family Arecaceae. It has a slender, smooth, grey trunk topped by a crown of arching, feather-like leaves. Its most distinctive feature is its clusters of bright red fruits, which ripen around the holiday season in suitable climates. The palm is widely cultivated as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical regions.

Range

• Adonidia merrillii is native to the Philippines and has been widely planted elsewhere in the tropics, including Mexico. It is cultivated in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• This palm thrives in warm, frost-free climates and is commonly planted in gardens, parks, streetscapes, and landscaped areas. It grows best in sunny to partly shaded locations with well-drained soil and regular moisture, and it tolerates coastal conditions.