A rare Lanonia species that only occurs on the island of Hainan in the South China Sea. Here, the palm grows in lowland rainforests up to an altitude of about 600 metres. On the mainland, other Lanonia species occur at higher altitudes, but conditions on islands are generally harsher. It is a small to medium-sized palm that forms a cluster of stems and reaches a height of about 4 metres in the rainforest. The long petioles (up to 1.5 metres), which bear small brown spines at the base, are followed by large palmate leaves up to 1.2 metres wide. The inflorescence emerges upright between the leaves and the flowers are followed by small red fruits, each containing 1 seed.
The species is resistant to relatively low temperatures (down to freezing point) and could therefore be kept outdoors for part of the year. However, it grows better at higher temperatures, making it preferable as a houseplant. Ensure a light location without direct sunlight and constantly moist, well-drained soil.
Sowing description: The seeds can be sown directly in sowing mix. Keep the soil constantly moist and germinate at 25-30°C. Germination can occur as long as the seeds are hard.
