Family: Arecaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Chrysalidocarpus leptocheilos (commonly known as the teddy bear palm and also sold under the synonym Dypsis leptocheilos) is native to Madagascar. This attractive, medium-sized palm is prized for its slender, smooth gray trunk topped with a distinctive fuzzy, cinnamon-brown crownshaft that feels soft and velvety—giving rise to its common name. It produces graceful, arching fronds and thrives in warm, humid tropical climates. In Hawaiʻi and other tropical regions, the teddy bear palm is widely used as an ornamental landscape tree in gardens, parks, and along driveways. Its tidy growth habit and striking appearance make it a favorite for residential and resort plantings.

Risks & Threats
Teddy bear palm is considered a low-risk species for Hawaiʻi. It does not typically spread aggressively and is not known to form dense stands or displace native vegetation. While it produces seeds, natural regeneration outside cultivated areas appears limited. As with all non-native plants, responsible planting is encouraged—especially near natural areas—to help protect surrounding ecosystems. When thoughtfully placed and maintained, this palm provides ornamental value without posing significant environmental concerns.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized beyond native range
  
• Bird-dispersed propagules
  
• Propagules survive passage through the gut
  
• Intentional cultivation
  
• Tolerates wide range of soil conditions
  
• Produces viable seed

Low Risk Traits:

• Not a weed
  
• No physical defenses
  
• Not toxic
  
• Solitary growth habit
  
• Requires specialist pollinators?
  
• No vegetative fragmentation
  
• Large propagules