Family: Arecaceae

Corypha umbraculifera, commonly known as the talipot palm, is a massive and striking palm native to South and Southeast Asia. It is best known for producing the largest inflorescence of any plant, a towering flower structure that can reach over 20 feet tall and carry millions of small flowers. The talipot palm has enormous fan-shaped leaves and a single, unbranched trunk, giving it a dramatic architectural presence in landscapes and botanical collections. Traditionally, its leaves have been used for thatching, umbrellas, mats, and as writing material for ancient manuscripts, while the trunk and sap have been used locally for construction and food-related purposes. In Hawaiʻi, the talipot palm is occasionally planted as a specimen or ornamental tree due to its impressive size and unique flowering habit.

Although Corypha umbraculifera is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. The species is monocarpic, meaning it flowers once at the end of its long life and then dies, producing an extremely large quantity of seeds all at once. This high reproductive output, combined with its ability to grow into a very large, long-lived plant, raises concerns about its potential to spread if conditions are favorable. Additionally, its size could allow it to outcompete other vegetation for space, light, and resources. Caution is recommended when planting talipot palm in Hawaiʻi to ensure it does not escape cultivation or negatively impact native ecosystems, and consideration should be given to low-risk or native alternatives where appropriate.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in Thailand, and possibly other locations, but area of origin not well defined
  
• Petioles very stout and spiny
  
• Young fruits used as a fish poison (possible toxic effects to other animals?)
  
• Potential host of coconut rhinoceros beetle and other palm pests
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• May have formed natural dense stands
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, other frugivorous animals, flowing water and intentionally by people
  
• Produces millions of flowers and potentially large numbers of seeds
  
• Tree dies after reaching maturity (drawback in landscaping)
  
• Limited ecological information makes accurate risk prediction difficult

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or detrimental impacts, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Multiple uses, including ornamental and food
  
• Reaches maturity after 30-40 years
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively