Ivory Cane Palm

Pinanga coronata

Synonyms: Ivory Palm, Coronata, Kulh’s Palm, Pinanga kuhlii.

Pinanga coronata – or Ivory Cane Palm as it’s known to most – is a stunning clumping palm from South East Asia. Grown for its elegant form and attractive cream-coloured trunks, Ivory Cane Palm form a clump thick enough to be used as a screening plant while being attractive enough to stand alone as a garden specimen. It should probably replace the frequently encountered Golden Cane Palm around Brisbane!

Growing the Ivory Cane Palm is easy if you have the right position. While they will grow in full sun, this species likes high humidity and plenty of moisture, so we find it looks best if grown in part sun only (ideally morning sun). It would also prefer a sheltered spot in the garden, away from any strong winds, and around other plants where it will be more humid. Ivory Cane Palm is reasonable as a potted plant as it can be divided when it gets uncomfortable. Be sure to water regularly when potted, to prevent it getting stressed and looking washed out.

Like most Pinangas, Ivory Cane Palm suffers few pest and disease issues. They commonly attract mealybug during the warmer months, and occasionally palm scale and aphids. This generally easy to treat. Although it survives very well around Brisbane, this plant is not very cold tolerant. Avoid open and exposed locations, and certainly keep well away from frost.

This species is now considered synonymous with Pinanga kuhlii. This palm has a slightly different form, but has recently been classified as just a variation of the Ivory Cane Palm. Care will be identical for either variety.