Australia is home to various palm trees, ranging from delicate dwarfs to towering giants.
These palms not only add beauty to the landscape but also play significant roles in both natural ecosystems and urban environments.
Dwarf Palms | Small Palms | Fast-Growing Palms | Potted Palms | Indoor Palms
Dwarf Palm Trees
Dwarf palms are perfect for smaller gardens or spaces.
These palms rarely exceed 2 metres in height, making them ideal for underplanting and borders.
Their small size belies their strong visual impact, bringing an elegant tropical vibe to cosy corners.
These are some of the dwarf palm trees that can be found in Australia:
- Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)
- Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
- Triangle Palm (Dypsis decaryi)
- Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
- Dwarf Fan Palm (Livistona muelleri)
- Miniature Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus wagnerianus)
Small Palm Trees
Small palm trees strike the perfect balance between the understated elegance of dwarf palms and their larger cousins.
These palm trees reach heights of 3–4 metres, making them a popular choice for Australian suburban gardens.
They require minimal maintenance and are particularly admired for their lush, feather-like fronds and adaptability.
Here are some of the small palm trees that can be found in Australia:
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Cascade Palm or Mexican Hat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum)
- Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Pygmy Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
- Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)
Large Palm Trees
There’s a reason large palm trees have such fancy-sounding names — they’re majestic and unmatched in aesthetics.
These palms serve as focal points in huge gardens or public parks, with their ability to grow up to 30 metres.
They are not only a testament to the grandeur of nature but also provide habitats for various forms of wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of their surroundings.
These are the large palm trees that can be found in Australia:
- Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis)
- Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)
- Royal Palm (Roystonea regia)
- Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta)
- Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)
Fast-Growing Palm Trees
For gardeners and landscapers looking to make an immediate impact, fast-growing palm trees are the ideal choice.
These species can swiftly reach their full height, filling landscapes with lush foliage and providing a mature look in a relatively short period.
Ideal for quickly establishing a tropical feel, they are as rewarding for their speed as they are for their beauty, offering a rapid transformation of any garden space.
These are the fast-growing palm trees that can be found in Australia:
- Alexandra Palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae)
- Bangalow Palm or King Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)
- Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata)
- Rocky River Palm (Archontophoenix tuckeri)
- Spindle Palm (Hyophorbe verschaffeltii)
Potted Palm Trees
Potted palm trees offer the flexibility to bring tropical beauty to any setting, indoors or outside.
Adaptable and often more manageable in size, these palms can enhance patios, balconies, or interior spaces with their verdant fronds and varied textures.
They’re particularly suited to those who may not have extensive garden space but still wish to enjoy the lush, leafy ambience that palms provide.
Here are some of the potted palm tree species that can be found in Australia:
- Golden Cane Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Cascade Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum)
- European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)
- Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
- Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
- Walking Stick Palm (Linospadix monostachyos)
Indoor Palm Trees
If you thought palm trees were only outdoor plants, these species are the right ones for you.
Indoor palm trees are a fantastic way to add a touch of the exotic to interior spaces.
Thriving in indoor lighting conditions and capable of improving air quality, these palms are as functional as they are decorative.
Indoor palms bring a natural, calming presence to any room, complementing a wide range of decor styles from modern to traditional.
With their air-purifying qualities and aesthetic appeal, indoor palms are popular for enhancing living spaces, offices, and public areas.
These are the beautiful indoor palm trees that can be found in Australia:
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis)
- Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
- Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Types of Palm Trees Across Australia
Australia’s varied climates and environments offer a unique backdrop that shapes the growth and appearance of different palm species.
Each region has its favourites, from the humid tropics of Queensland to the cooler reaches of Tasmania.
| State/Territory Palm Tree Types | |
| Australian Capital Territory | Kentia Palm, Lady Palm, Parlour Palm, Sago Palm |
| New South Wales | Bangalow Palm, Cabbage Tree Palm, Canary Island Date Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Majesty Palm, Pygmy Palm |
| Northern Territory | Areca Palm, Alexandra Palm, Cabbage Tree Palm, Cascade Palm, Coconut Palm, Dwarf Date Palm, Foxtail Palm |
| Queensland | Alexandra Palm, Coconut Palm, Dwarf Fan Palm, Fan Palm, Needle Palm, Red Fruit Palm, Walking Stick Palm |
| South Australia | Bottle Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Kentia Palm, Lady Palm, Triangle Palm |
| Tasmania | Bamboo Palm, Cabbage Tree Palm, Kentia Palm, Parlour Palm, Miniature Chusan Palm |
| Victoria | Bamboo Palm, Cabbage Tree Palm, Kentia Palm, Miniature Chusan Palm |
| Western Australia | Bangalow Palm, Foxtail Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Mexican Fan palm, Royal palm |
Australian Capital Territory
The two types of palm trees you’ll find in the ACT are the Kentia, Lady, Parlour and Sago Palms.
Kentia Palm
In the cooler, less humid climate of the ACT, Kentia Palms often exhibit a more compact growth, reaching around 5 metres in gardens.
Their elegant, arching fronds are highly valued for bringing a touch of green elegance to indoor and public spaces.
Lady Palm
Lady Palm becomes a robust and resilient indoor plant in the cooler climate of the ACT.
This particular palm thrives in well-lit office buildings and homes.
It also offers a lush, tropical feel, adding a calming and natural element to interior spaces.
Parlour Palm
The Parlour Palm is perfectly suited to the ACT’s indoor environments, thriving in the region’s bright, indirect light.
It grows slowly and gracefully, reaching up to 2 metres in height in the right conditions.
This palm’s adaptability makes it a favoured choice for Canberra’s homes and offices, offering a splash of greenery that fits well into smaller spaces.
Sago Palm
Sago Palms in the ACT are primarily grown as indoor plants, given their need for protection from the cold.
Despite Canberra’s chilly winters, these palms can thrive indoors where they add to the ambience as décor.
With proper care, they can grow to be a striking feature in any space.
New South Wales
The four palm trees you’ll see in NSW are the Bangalow, Cabbage Tree, Canary Island, Golden Cane, Majesty and Pygmy Palms.
Bangalow Palm
In NSW’s coastal and hinterland regions, Bangalow Palms reach impressive heights up to 25 metres and are several metres wide at the top.
Their lush, green fronds are a common and beautiful sight in Sydney’s gardens.
Cabbage Tree Palm
The Cabbage Tree Palm is native to NSW and exhibits robust growth in both coastal and inland areas.
They can reach over 20 metres in height, especially in rainforest settings.
Cabbage palms are the most common type of palm tree in Australia, with their iconic fan-shaped fronds.
Canary Island Date Palm
Widely found in the southern and eastern parts of Australia, especially in urban and coastal areas.
The Canary Island Date Palm is popular in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland for its ornamental value in parks, gardens and along streets.
This palm tree grows up to 20 metres and prefers a Mediterranean climate but is adaptable to a range of conditions from cool to warm temperate zones.
Golden Cane Palm
The Golden Cane Palm is a favourite in NSW for creating natural privacy screens in suburban gardens.
They provide a dense, leafy barrier, often growing to about 8 metres.
Thriving in the region’s balanced climate, the Golden Cane Palm adds a dense, leafy charm to gardens, providing both beauty and functionality.
Majesty Palm
The Majesty Palm finds a welcoming climate in NSW, particularly in the coastal areas where its lush, arching fronds can fully spread to create a canopy.
Ideal for Sydney’s backyards and larger indoor spaces, it prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering to mimic the humid conditions of its native habitat.
In NSW, this palm can grow up to 10 metres in the right outdoor conditions, making it a magnificent specimen for gardening enthusiasts.
Pygmy Palm
Pygmy Palms are cherished in NSW’s urban and coastal gardens for their versatility and elegance.
They adapt well to Sydney’s climate, thriving in both sun and partial shade.
These palms are often planted in clusters to create a soft, textured look or used as solitary accent pieces in smaller gardens and patios.
The pygmy palm reaches about 3 metres in height, offering a relatively compact appeal.
Northern Territory
The NT has no shortage of palm trees – here you’ll find the Alexandra Palm, Areca Palm, Cabbage Tree Palm, Cascade Palm, Dwarf Date Palm, and Foxtail Palm.
Alexandra Palm
Alexandra Palms reach their full glory in the NT’s humid climate, often outgrowing their counterparts in cooler regions.
They can reach heights of 30 metres and can be distinguished by their sleek trunks and vibrant green fronds.
Areca Palm
In the lush, tropical climate of the Northern Territory, the Areca Palm flourishes in outdoor gardens and as an indoor air purifier.
Darwin residents appreciate this palm for its feathery, arching fronds that can be used as natural privacy screens.
Cabbage Tree Palm
In the Northern Territory, Cabbage Tree Palms have adapted well to the tropical conditions and are often seen lining streets in Darwin.
They grow rapidly here, reaching impressive heights of 25 metres.
The Cabbage Palm in NT bears a distinct slender palm with a grey trunk and leaves up to three metres long.
Cascade Palm
The Cascade Palm is valued across the NT for its ability to thrive in the region’s shaded and semi-shaded areas, making it an excellent understorey plant.
Its lush, cascading leaves bring a sense of the tropical rainforest to Darwin’s gardens and indoor spaces.
This palm prefers consistent moisture and can grow up to 2–3 metres, making it a versatile choice for both landscape and interior design.
Coconut Palm
Coconut palms are primarily found in the tropical regions of Australia, such as the Northern Territory.
These large palm trees are a common sight along beaches and coastal regions, as well.
The coconut palm tree grows up to 35 metres in height and has a grey trunk.
Dwarf Date Palm
While small in stature, the dwarf date palm significantly impacts Darwin’s urban gardens and public spaces.
Growing slightly taller here at 3 metres, they add a touch of elegance with their graceful, arching fronds.
Foxtail Palm
In the NT’s warm, tropical climate, Foxtail Palms flourish and reach up to 10 metres in height.
Their bushy, plume-like fronds are a distinctive feature in Darwin’s suburban landscapes.
Queensland
Queensland’s tropical climate supports a wide range of palm varieties, including those found in New South Wales and the Northern Territory, with the addition of:
Coconut Palm
In Queensland’s idyllic coastal regions, the Coconut Palm is a quintessential symbol of the tropics.
Thriving in the state’s humid, tropical climate, Coconut Palms flourish along the coastline, from the northern tip down to the central coast.
Coconut Palms can reach heights of up to 30 metres and prefer sandy, well-drained soils and ample sunlight.
Dwarf Fan Palm
In Queensland, the Dwarf Fan Palm shines with resilience. It’s found from the dry outskirts to tropical rainforests and fits snugly in smaller gardens.
Standing no taller than 5 metres, it’s marked by fan-shaped fronds on slender trunks. Perfect for adding tropical vibes to urban spaces, it’s low-maintenance and drought-resistant once settled.
Fan Palm
Fan Palms, such as the European Fan and Chinese Fan, stand out in Queensland’s tropical and subtropical landscapes.
They’re a common sight in the more humid parts of the state, thriving in the natural woodland areas and adding to the region’s diverse palm population.
These palms can grow quite tall, reaching over 15 metres in height, and are often used in large gardens and public spaces to create dramatic visual interest.
Needle Palm Tree
The Needle Palm is less common in Australia because it prefers more humid and subtropical to temperate climates.
However, it can be found in specialised nurseries and some private gardens, particularly in Queensland and northern New South Wales, where conditions are more suitable.
It grows up to 2 metres and thrives in humid, subtropical regions.
The needle palm is one of the most cold-hardy palm trees, making it suitable for cooler areas as well.
Red Fruit Palm (Foxtail Palm)
The Red Fruit Palm is unique to Queensland’s humid and warm environment.
These palms are renowned for their striking red crownshafts and vividly coloured fruit, reaching up to 8 metres and often becoming the centrepiece in tropical gardens.
Walking Stick Palm
The Walking Stick Palm is a treasure of Queensland’s rainforests. It thrives in humid, shaded spots and rarely exceeds 2 metres.
Its name comes from the Indigenous use of its straight trunks for walking sticks.
The Walking Stick Palm’s elegant, arching fronds and small, clustered fruit add a delicate yet striking aesthetic to any setting.
South Australia
You’ll find the Bottle Palm, Golden Cane, Kentia, Lady and Triangle Palms in SA.
Bottle Palm
The Bottle Palm, with its distinctive swollen trunk, is a unique addition to South Australia’s more protected and microclimate gardens.
In Adelaide, it’s often grown in containers or sheltered garden spots, where its striking form can be admired up close.
While it prefers warmer, more humid conditions, careful placement and protection from the cold can allow it to thrive in SA’s varied climate.
Golden Cane Palm
In South Australia’s drier climate, Golden Cane Palms typically reach around 6 metres, adding a touch of the tropics to Adelaide’s urban landscapes.
They are particularly appreciated for their ability to create a lush, tropical ambience even in drier conditions.
Kentia Palm
The Kentia Palm finds a special place in South Australia, thriving in Adelaide’s variable climate.
Often seen gracing public parks and gardens, they bring an elegant, lush green presence, enhancing the city’s natural beauty.
Lady Palm
In South Australia, the Lady Palm is a celebrated choice for indoor spaces.
Adaptable to varying light conditions, these palms are frequently seen in Adelaide’s offices and homes, where they add a sophisticated and elegant touch.
Triangle Palm
Adelaide’s warmer suburbs can sometimes accommodate the Triangle Palm, known for its unusual, three-sided frond arrangement that gives it a sculptural quality.
This palm prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it a stunning focal point in South Australian gardens that can provide its preferred conditions.
Tasmania
Despite Tassie’s colder weather, it still has Bamboo Palm, Cabbage Tree, Kentia and Parlour Palms!
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo Palms add a lush, tropical feel to Tasmania’s indoor spaces.
In Hobart, they’re a popular choice for bringing a touch of the exotic indoors, where they purify the air and add a verdant backdrop to any room.
Their reed-like stems and feathery leaves can create a dense, bamboo-like appearance, making them ideal for filling corners or flanking entryways.
Cabbage Tree Palm
While not as common, the Cabbage Tree Palm in Tasmania thrives in sheltered, sunny spots in gardens, reaching up to 10 metres.
They add a unique, aesthetic element to the Tasmanian landscape, adapting well to the milder climate.
Kentia Palm
In Tasmania’s cooler climate, Kentia Palms are cherished as indoor plants.
They can bring a tropical vibe to Hobart’s homes, even in cooler environments, which makes them a popular choice among gardeners.
Parlour Palm
The Parlour Palm’s adaptability makes it a favourite in Tasmanian homes, where its compact size and ease of care are highly valued.
It’s an excellent plant for adding a touch of greenery to less sunny spots, thriving in the diffuse light of Tasmania’s interiors.
This small palm’s slow growth and elegant form make it suitable for offices and homes alike, where it contributes to a peaceful, natural ambience.
Victoria
Like TAS, you can also find Cabbage Tree and Kentia Palms in VIC.
Cabbage Tree Palm
The Cabbage Tree Palm in Victoria grows robustly in the state’s temperate climate.
Often seen in Melbourne’s historic gardens and parks, they reach around 15 metres, adding a touch of history and natural elegance to the landscape.
Kentia Palm
Kentia Palms are a favourite for indoor cultivation in Victoria, particularly in Melbourne.
Thriving in the city’s variable weather, they add a refreshing, green touch to many homes and offices.
Western Australia
WA is home to the Bangalow, Foxtail, Golden Cane, Mexican Fan and Royal Palms.
Bangalow Palm
The Bangalow Palm reaches its full potential in the warmer parts of WA, adding a tropical touch to the landscapes of Perth and coastal towns.
Their long, sweeping fronds create a serene and inviting atmosphere, perfect for public and private gardens.
Foxtail Palm
In WA’s warm climate, the Foxtail Palm flourishes, often growing taller and more rapidly.
Their characteristic bushy fronds add a unique texture and beauty to the landscape, making them a standout choice in gardens.
Golden Cane Palm
In Western Australia, particularly in Perth, Golden Cane Palms are popular for creating natural screens in gardens.
Growing up to 10 metres, they thrive in the warm, dry climate.
Mexican Fan Palm
The Mexican Fan Palm is a familiar sight in Western Australia, particularly in Perth, where its towering height and dramatic fan-shaped leaves are used to great effect in public parks and large gardens.
This palm can grow in a variety of soil types and develops drought tolerance once established.
Royal Palm
Royal Palms add an air of majesty to Western Australia’s more tropical northern landscapes with their tall, straight trunks and beautiful, feather-like fronds.
In Perth, they are sometimes seen in large, landscaped gardens where they can be protected from the cold and provide a stunning vertical element.
FAQs
Are palm trees native to Australia?
Yes, some are! Several palm tree species, including the well-known Cabbage Palm, are native to Australia.
These native species play a vital role in the local ecosystems and are a testament to the country’s rich biodiversity.
What’s the most common type of palm tree in Australia?
The Australian Cabbage Palm (Livistona Australis) is the most common and widely recognised palm tree across Australia.
It’s admired for its resilience and the natural, rugged beauty it brings to the Australian landscape.
What is the most famous palm tree?
The Kentia Palm from Lord Howe Island is the most famous Australian palm in the world.
Its elegant form and suitability as an ornamental plant have made it a beloved choice in homes and gardens worldwide.
