I spoke with the person in charge of the French Guiana Botanical Garden in South America, at the Palmetum de Guiana. They explained that they have two Tahina spectabilis palms, one in the Palmetum garden and another in a private garden in Cayenne. In total, there are three Tahina palms in French Guiana. They also explained that they obtained the seeds from RPS Germany in 2008, and that many palm trees originated from those seeds. Those in Thailand also originated from the 2008 RPS sale. They also mentioned that there is a Tahina spectabilis in Venezuela. These are probably the only palm trees in South America. In our conversation, they also noted that there are Tahina palms in Martinique and Guadeloupe. With all this information, it is very likely that it could flower in the French Guiana garden in 2038, if it flowers within the minimum 30 years required for this highly sought-after palm.

Below is a photo of the Tahina plant. Its trunk is thinner, which will likely accelerate its flowering.

Hugo Aravena

Chile

That is sensational Hugo!

Of course. If it blooms, I'd fly there just to get those seeds. It would be absolutely wonderful for me.

Great news! Maybe these palms will contribute to the survival of this spectacular species in case the worst comes to pass in Madagascar. Hope there are more specimens to be found in S.A. My Tahina took a thrashing from Hurricane Ian and another hit from this past winter. I hope it will come back from both calamities but it appears to be so cold sensitive I worry it may be killed once the growing point emerges from the ground.

Thank you for sharing . That is very nice looking, nice clean trunk with a massive canopy . Harry

Without a doubt, it's a palm tree worth having in the near future.