Brisbane tree guide

Bangalow palm

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana · also called Piccabeen palm

The bangalow palm is South East Queensland's own tall feather palm, found in colonies along rainforest creeks and gullies. It grows a slim, ringed trunk to 20 or 25 metres and carries lilac flower sprays and bright red fruit that rainforest pigeons feed on. It likes plenty of water, grows quickly and suits damp, sheltered spots, but its big fronds drop on their own and need a clear landing zone.

Native to South East Queensland
20 to 25 m tall
Flowers March to May

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Bangalow palm, from Wikimedia Commons — Photo: Bruce Paton, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bangalow palm at a glance

Height: 20 to 25 m (up to 30 m in the wild)
Spread: 2 to 2.5 m
Growth: Fast
Leaves: Evergreen
Flowers: Pink, purple, March to May
Origin: Rainforest and creek banks from the NSW south coast to near Mackay in Queensland
Family: Arecaceae

How to identify a Bangalow palm

Look for a single, slender grey trunk about 25 to 30 cm thick, ringed with leaf scars and topped by a smooth crownshaft that varies from green to reddish purple. The feather fronds reach 3 to 4.5 metres, and their long, narrow leaflets are green on both sides and droop loosely as they age. Sprays of pink to lilac flowers form just below the crownshaft, followed by round fruit 12 to 15 mm across that ripens bright red. The similar Alexander palm has leaflets that are silvery underneath and white to cream flowers.

Growing a Bangalow palm in Brisbane

This is a Brisbane native that grows naturally in colonies along creeks and gullies, with good stands at places such as Mount Mee and Mount Tamborine. It wants plenty of water and some shelter. Its heavy fronds are easily damaged by strong wind, so a protected, moist spot suits it best, and it will even grow in poorly drained ground. It handles full sun if it is kept well watered, or shade. Allow for a palm that can pass 20 metres.

What to watch out for

Falling fronds are the main nuisance. The palm sheds its old fronds by itself and each one is 3 to 4 metres long, so keep it clear of driveways, paths and roofs. Spent flowers and fruit also litter the ground below. As with any tall palm, keep it well away from power lines.

Dropping limbs. It sheds its old fronds on its own, and each frond is 3 to 4 metres long, so keep it clear of paths, cars and roofs.
Mess. Spent flowers and fruit drop and litter the ground beneath the palm.

Pruning and care

Bangalow palms need very little pruning. They drop old fronds on their own, so the main job is clearing away fallen fronds and spent flower and fruit stalks. Leave green fronds alone. Keep the soil moist, especially for young palms, and mulch well. Removing old fronds from a tall palm, or taking one down, is a job for a professional with the right gear.

Bangalow palm: your questions

Short answers, from the sources below.

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Is the bangalow palm native to Brisbane?

Yes. It grows naturally in rainforest and along creeks from the New South Wales south coast to near Mackay, including around Brisbane, Mount Mee and Mount Tamborine.

How tall does a bangalow palm grow?

Usually 20 to 25 metres, and up to about 30 metres, on a trunk only 25 to 30 cm thick. It grows quickly, adding roughly 30 cm to 1 metre a year in good conditions.

How do I tell a bangalow palm from an Alexander palm?

Turn a leaflet over. Bangalow palm leaflets are green on both sides and its flowers are pink to lilac, while the Alexander palm has silvery undersides and white to cream flowers.

Do bangalow palms drop their fronds?

Yes. The bangalow palm sheds its old fronds on its own, so plant it where falling fronds won't land on cars, paths or roofs.