Arikury (Parrot) Palm

Syagrus schizophylla

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade; often looks best in partial shade when young or in very hot Florida exposures.

Height: Usually around 10–15 ft. tall in Florida landscapes, though growth is slow and it may stay compact for many years.

Growth Habit: Slow-growing palm with a tropical, somewhat irregular form; usually single-trunking but can appear clustered when young. It has upright, arching green fronds and a distinctive rough trunk with sharp, tooth-like old leaf bases.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 9b–11; cold hardy to the upper 20s once established; medium to high drought tolerance once established; moderate salt tolerance and generally suitable for many coastal Florida landscapes when not exposed to harsh direct salt spray. South Florida Plant Guide lists it as cold hardy to Zone 9B, while Florida nursery sources note cold tolerance into the high 20s and medium to high drought tolerance.

Plant Info: Arikury Palm, also called Parrot Palm, is native to Brazil and is valued for its compact size, tropical texture, and unusual trunk detail. It is a good choice when a customer wants a palm that feels different from the common Queen Palm or Pygmy Date Palm but still stays manageable in a smaller landscape. It can produce hanging clusters of yellow-orange fruit, which add seasonal interest. One thing to note for placement: the trunk and old leaf bases can be sharp, so it is best kept away from tight walkways or areas where people may brush against it.