Livistona Rotundifolia “Footstool Palm”

The Footstool Palm is a decorative fan palm with a solitary trunk, also known as Livistona rotundifolia. The fronds are almost completely round (hence rotundifolia), with a folded (almost pleated) appearance at the centre which begin to divide closer to the edge. Even when mature, the fronds are entire for at least 50% of their diameter. The leaf stems (petioles) have spines when young, but these disappear on mature trees – presumably because the animals that eat the foliage at ground level can’t climb trees.

The classification of this plant is confusing. Until 2011, the plant was placed in the genus Livistonia, and before that Corypha. However, new genetic techniques showed that it, and a few other palms named as species of Livistonia, were actually members of a distinct, previously unknown genus which was named Saribus, from its local common name in the Maluku language. However, in cultivation, growers prefer to use the older, more familiar name.

All our potted plants come in compostable coir pots.