Livistona chinensis, commonly known as the Chinese Fan Palm, stands out for its graceful appearance and resilience.
Native to the subtropical regions of Asia, this ornamental palm belongs to the Arecaceae family. With its striking, fan-shaped, bright green leaves, it brings an exotic flair to botanical gardens and landscaped areas—such as those found at the Au Bois Vert hotel near Ivato and Antananarivo.
Although its growth is relatively slow, the Chinese Fan Palm can reach an impressive height of 9 to 12 metres when fully mature.
Its distinctive leaves form elegant rosettes that create a dense, decorative crown. The sturdy trunk, bearing the marks of fallen fronds, adds an extra layer of visual appeal. Flowering typically occurs in spring and summer, when the palm produces clusters of small, cream-coloured blossoms followed by shiny black berries.
Suited to tropical and subtropical climates, Livistona chinensis thrives in sheltered garden environments, protected from strong winds.
It adapts well to various soil types, as long as they are well-drained. Thanks to its hardy nature, the palm does well in both partial shade and full sun. At Au Bois Vert, it provides the ideal natural shade—perfect for a relaxing moment after a meal at the restaurant or a visit to the lodge.
Plant use
The Fan Palm serves both ornamental and practical purposes, making it a popular choice in botanical gardens, public parks, and hospitality spaces such as Au Bois Vert. Its exotic appearance brings a distinctive touch to landscaped areas, especially around swimming pools or restaurant terraces, where it evokes a sense of calm and relaxation. Beyond its decorative appeal, Livistona chinensis is well-suited to urban and suburban settings due to its ability to help purify the surrounding air. It is frequently used to provide shade along footpaths or in rest areas within gardens like the one at Bois Vert, near Ivato. Ecologically, this palm supports local biodiversity by offering shelter to a variety of birds and insects. While its fruits are not suitable for human consumption, they serve as a food source for wildlife. In Antananarivo, the palm also plays a role in combating soil erosion, thanks to its strong and extensive root system.
Key information
| Common name | Chinese Fan Palm |
| Scientific name | Livistona chinensis |
| Origin | Subtropical Asia (China, Japan, Taiwan) |
| Natural habitat | Tropical and subtropical zones |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Flowering period | Spring - Summer |
