Livistona australis, commonly known as the Cabbage Tree Palm or Fan Palm, is an iconic Australian native palm found naturally along the east coast from northern Queensland to southern Victoria.
It’s one of the tallest native palms, often seen marking rainforest margins and coastal valleys with its slender, graceful form.
Widely in the landscaping industry the name, ‘Cabbage Palm’ comes from the use of the fresh growing tips as a bush tucker food.
Description
This tall, elegant species can reach up to 20 metres in height, developing a slender trunk up to 0.5 metres wide. The trunk is marked with distinctive annular leaf scars—ring-like marks that record where old fronds have detached.
The palm’s dark green, fan-shaped leaves sit atop long, sturdy stems up to 2 metres in length, forming a handsome, rounded crown. During summer, it produces large spikes of cream-white flowers, followed by fleshy red fruit that ripen to black. The species is not self-cleaning, meaning old fronds remain attached until removed or eventually shed naturally.
Growth Rate and Longevity
The Cabbage Tree Palm grows very slowly, taking approximately 10–15 years to reach 1 metre. A 5-metre specimen could be 50–80 years old, and mature trees can live for 300–450 years. Despite its slow pace, this resilience makes it a remarkable long-term feature in landscapes or native plantings.
Livstona Australis are a medium to tall growing tree growing palm to 30 m.
Growing with a solitary trunk, growth rate is regarded as slow to medium, faster in warmer climates in good soil.
Care and How To grow Livstona australis
Given its natural range from Queensland to Eastern Victoria it is easy to see that this is a hardy easy care palm tree.
Soil:
Livstona australis requires a free draining soil. Poorly drained soils need to be amended or the garden bed needs to be raised to improve drainage if required.
Sunlight:
Best grown in full sun to part shade. Bright filtered light during the het of the afternoon will help prevent foliage burn.
Water:
Soil should be moist, but never wet and soggy. Water regularly when young, especially through hot dry periods. Livstona Australis will cope with short periods of wet soils.
Temperature:
From warm temperate to sub tropical climates, it will grow in cooler climates but not in areas with frosts and freezes. It is particularly susceptible to cold when young. It is popular in the USA where it grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11.
Fertilizer:
An organic balanced fertilizer in spring to summer (the growing season) should be sufficient. Do not over fertilise
Climate:
This is a rainforest palm, tropical to subtropical climates are best. It will grow in coastal conditions, making it suitable for other areas and climates. Warm temperatures and high humidity are the key to best growth.
Pruning:
Removal of old foliage to maintain the look of the plant is all that is required.
Root System:
Fleshy thick roots that are fairly deep. Like many palm trees it is best planted away from drainage lines and pipes.
Landscaping Uses:
Excellent as a specimen tree, and can also be planted as a street tree or along driveways. Used widely in the garden, near a swimming pools, and planted in avenues in housing estates and commercial developments.
The fronds are used in floristry.
Our Thoughts
While the growth rate is slow, the Cabbage Tree Palm’s longevity, hardiness, and architectural beauty make it a standout specimen tree for temperate and subtropical regions. Its tolerance to wind, salt, and seasonal wet conditions makes it ideal for coastal and rainforest-style gardens.
Where To Buy
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au
111 Stanhope Road Theresa Park NSW 2570
Offering a variety of sun hardy Australian natives and exotic trees, shrubs, groundcover's and perennials from semi advanced through to super advanced and semi-mature stock.
www.downesnursery.com.au
