Family: Arecaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Licuala grandis (ruffled fan palm, Vanuatu fan palm) is native to the Santa Cruz Islands and Vanuatu in the South Pacific. It is a striking, slow-growing tropical palm known for its large, nearly circular, pleated fan-shaped leaves with deeply divided segments that give it a ruffled appearance. Typically found in shaded rainforest understories, it thrives in warm, humid conditions and is often grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical landscapes. It is also used as a striking specimen plant in gardens, shaded patios, and occasionally as an indoor ornamental in containers where conditions allow.

Risks & Threats
Although Licuala grandis is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Its popularity as an ornamental palm increases the likelihood of repeated plantings, and its ability to produce viable seeds in suitable climates raises the potential for escape into natural areas. While it is primarily an understory species, its shade tolerance and adaptability in wet tropical environments suggest it could establish in similar habitats in Hawaiʻi under the right conditions. Ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether it could negatively impact native ecosystems and to ensure it does not become naturalized in the islands.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in French Polynesia
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Armed toward the base with small, curved teeth
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Fleshy-fruited with bird-dispersed seeds

Low Risk Traits:

• Non-toxic
  
• Requires shade, moisture, and high humidity (will not thrive in all habitat
  
• types)
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Slow-growing & small-statured