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Pritchardia, this genus of solitary-trunked fan palms contain the only palm species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Aside from Polynesian islands like Fiji, most of these palms occur throughout the Hawaiian Islands in different microclimates, which have influenced their variable characteristics. Many of these palms come from rainy areas at mid elevations, but some have evolved in dry, low, coastal areas of the islands. These beautiful palms are prized for their arching, stiff, and unarmed palmate leaves.

Many of these palms have become endangered or extinct in their natural areas and it is difficult to know how many species actually exist at present. All the Hawaiian species are known as Loulu Palms. Names and descriptions of the Hawaiian species reflect the changes that have come about as the result of this up-to-date taxonomic treatment of Pritchardia.

Loulu Palm Description

Pritchardia species Loulu are the native Hawaiian palm trees. Fossil evidence suggests loulu were once a dominant tree in lower elevation forests, but they’re fairly sparse today in remnant native forests. Pigs and rodents love to eat their fleshy nuts. The fruit of the loulu is called “hawane”, and there was once a colorful little palmcreeper bird that lived in the loulu called the ‘ula ‘ai hawane , which is long extinct.

The four native species of Hawai’i island are p. beccariana, p. lanigeri, p. affinis and p. schattaueri. The last two are endangered, and the latter was down to a handful of individuals.

The genetic diversity of the remaining palms is being protected by carefully tracking which of the plantings come from which of the dozen original wild trees,” a conservancy press release said.

Pritchardia is a Pacific palm genus, and the only palm native to Hawaii. While a few species exist on other Pacific islands, the widest diversity of Pritchardias is in the Hawaiian Islands, where more than 20 species exist. Species are found on most of the main islands, and a small forest exists on Nihoa, the easternmost island in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. The Hawaiian honeycreeper, the ula-ai-hawane, ate the trees’ seeds as one of its main foods. Hawaiians used the seeds for food. They also used the leaves to create thatching.

All the members of loulu palm family are either threatened or critically endangered in their natural habitat. This is mostly due to the cutting and clearing of land for crops as well as human settlement.

Rats eating the fruit/seeds are also considered a large contributor to their disappearance. To combat the rats there are many palms sporting metal bands wrapped around their trunks. The band helps prevent the rats from being able to climb the trees. If they can climb the trunk then they don’t just eat the ripening fruit and seed, they also like to munch on the new shoots of leaves emerging.

The young immature fruits are enjoyed by humans as well. They have a flavor similar to coconut but are a much smaller size.

The loulu palm trees are actually easier for the cities to look after, not requiring as many resources and money to look after. Maintenance like pruning is a lot less involved than with others like the coconut palm trees. The native Hawaii palm trees and all members of the Pritchardia family are susceptible to lethal yellowing. Care should be taken to plant them in areas without the presence of this disease for successful growing.

1. P. beccariana (Loulu Palm)

Environmental & Ecosystem Considerations:

This palm is endemic to the moist forests of the eastern parts of the island of Hawaii. The broader leaves and circular shape of the crown can make P. beccariana distinctive from the other species.
It can grow up to 3000 feet elevation under conditions of high humidity and good drainage. It grows best in humid areas with some protection from wind and direct sun in hotter areas. Although somewhat slow growing, this palm can make a nice canopy.

2. P. glabrata (Loulu Palm)

Environmental & Ecosystem Considerations:

This Pritchardia grows naturally in the Io Valley on Maui. Slow to start, it would be a perfect residential palm where height is an issue, as the palm stays short but still maintains a very nice crown of dark green circular leaves. It would not enjoy full low elevation sun, but would look great at 1,000′ or more.

4. P. maideniana (was affinis) (Loulu Palm)

Environmental & Ecosystem Considerations:

This palm, endemic to the island of Hawaii, occurs mostly on the west side of the island. Groups of P. affinis could be seen in the past, growing naturally at mid elevations to lower elevations in wet forests or protected coastal areas from Kailua to Kohala.

This palm can be grown in full sun to partial shade with adequate drainage and moisture. It is a good choice for coastal areas.

5. P. martii

Environmental & Ecosystem Considerations:

Growing wild in the Koolau Mountains on Oahu, this species is highly variable in nature. It has been shown that P. gaudichaudii is synonymous with P. martii. This is a medium sized palm with light brown lepidia. The attractive underside of the leaves and relatively small size make this a great choice for residential planting.

6. P. napaliensis

Environmental & Ecosystem Considerations:

A very rare palm from Kauai. Little is known about this palm in cultivation.

We are growing a few of these collected from a cultivated source. The lower sides of the leaves are quite attractive.

When enough seed is available from cultivated sources, this will be an attractive palm for our gardens.

7. P. pacifica (Fiji Fan Palm)

Environmental & Ecosystem Considerations:

This palm from Fiji and Tonga is commonly known as Fiji Fan Palm. It is a common and hardy palm used extensively in landscaping. These palms grow best in full sun with adequate moisture. They can tolerate some drought and salt spray, but grow best with protection in coastal areas.