Origin
Hyophorbe lagenicaulis, also known as the bottle palm, originates from the Mascarene Islands, located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. These consist of Mauritius, La Réunion, and Rodrigues. The palm prefers to grow in the warm, humid coastal regions of these islands. Despite the species being mainly cultivated throughout the entire subtropical zone, the plant is almost extinct in the wild and therefore officially classified as an endangered species.

Characteristics
This palm species distinguishes itself by its unique, bottle-shaped trunk that contributes to its iconic appearance. The trunk, which can grow up to 6 meters in height, has a sultry, greyish colour and broadens at the base as the plant ages. The plant's leaves are feathery and reach a length of approximately 3 meters. Peppers, the flowering structures of the palm, are yellow and emerge from the leaf axils, while the fruits ripen to an orange to brown-red hue.

Care
The Hyophorbe lagenicaulis requires plenty of light and moist, but well-draining soil. The plant is not well resistant to cold weather conditions and ideally, the temperature should not fall below 10 degrees Celsius. Regular watering is important, but it is crucial to avoid water saturation, as this can cause the roots to rot. Fertilise the plant at least once a year to guarantee optimal growth.