Yaeyama Palm

Satakentia liukiuensis

Japanese name: ヤエヤマヤシ
Chinese name: 八重山椰子
English name: Yaeyama Palm
Origin: Ishigakijima and Iriomotejima

This palm species can grow up to 25 meters tall and is a rare plant belonging to a monotypic genus. It is endemic to the Yaeyama Islands, and only three natural populations are currently known. However, it is widely planted as a roadside tree throughout Okinawa Prefecture. The palm trees lining Kokusai-dori in Naha are also this species.

You can see a natural stand of Yaeyama Palms at the Yonehara Palm Grove on Ishigakijima.

The base of the Yaeyama Palm is swollen.
22, Nov, 2022, Ishigaki, The lower part of the leaf sheath is tinged with a purplish color.
Widely used as a roadside tree in Okinawa Prefecture.