Family: Arecaceae

Chamaedorea metallica, commonly known as metallic palm or miniature fishtail palm, is a small, shade-loving palm native to the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico. It is best known for its striking, broad, undivided leaves that have a deep metallic blue-green sheen, giving the plant a lush, ornamental appearance. Typically growing as a compact understory palm, it is well suited to low-light environments and humid conditions. Because of its slow growth, manageable size, and tolerance of indoor conditions, metallic palm is widely used as a houseplant and in shaded landscapes, courtyards, and conservatories.

At present, Chamaedorea metallica is not known to pose significant invasive risks or environmental threats in Hawaiʻi. It spreads slowly, produces limited seed, and generally requires specific shaded, moist conditions to thrive, which reduces its ability to escape cultivation. As with many ornamental palms, responsible planting and disposal are still recommended to prevent unintended spread. Overall, metallic palm is considered a low-risk ornamental species when grown and managed appropriately.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Other Chamaedorea species have become weedy or invasive
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil conditions (and potentially able to exploit many different habitat types)
  
• Dispersed by people and potentially birds or other animals

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization or invasiveness found
  
• Unarmed (no spines or thorns)
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Long-time to reproductive maturity
  
• Relatively large fruits and seeds unlikely to be dispersed accidentally