SCIENTIFIC NAME: Adonidia merrillii

COMMON NAME(S): Manila palm, Adonidia, Christmas palm
SUB FAMILY: Arecoideae
TRIBE: Areceae
ORIGIN: Philippines
HARDINESS ZONES: 10B-11 (damaged at 32 degrees F), (killed at 26 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 15' (to 25')
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
HABIT: Solitary, canopy of 9-15 leaves
SALT TOLERANCE: Moderate
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: Moderate
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Widely adaptable
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Moderate; high
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Moderate
POPULAR USES: Small specimen tree, large containers, interiorscape
HUMAN HAZARDS: None
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS: None

COMMENTS: Long known as Veitchia merrillii, palm taxonomist Scott Zona has resurrected the genus Adonidia for this species. Though not as fast growing as the related genus Veitchia, adonidia has long been the most popular, due to its neat and formal appearance and since its small size lends itself to wide use, even in the smallest residential yards. It has also been grown for interior use, having less of a tendency to stretch under shade conditions than the faster and taller growing species. The showy fruit display of this palm coincides with Christmas time. Unfortunately, high susceptibility to lethal yellowing now limits its use to areas free of the disease.