Hyophorbe verschaffeltii

Native to Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean, this plant is a slow-growing palm cultivated in tropical landscapes. Its trunk swells around the middle, giving the species its common name, and supports a smooth green crownshaft. The leaflets point in different directions, giving the fronds a feathery appearance. Branched flower clusters emerge below the crownshaft and carry both male and female flowers. Small fruits turn from orange to red as they ripen. Despite its popularity in cultivation, it is Critically Endangered in the wild. Photographed in Colombia.