Dictyosperma album
Overview
Dictyosperma is a monotypic genus of flowering plant in the palm family found in the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean. The sole species, Dictyosperma album, is widely cultivated in the tropics but has been farmed to near extinction in its native habitat. It is commonly called princess palm or hurricane palm, the latter owing to its ability to withstand strong winds by easily shedding leaves.
It is closely related to, and resembles, palms in the genus Archontophoenix. The genus is named from two Greek words meaning "net" and "seed" and the epithet is Latin for "white", the common color of the crownshaft at the top of the trunk.
Dictyosperma album faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its native Mascarene Islands range. The species is particularly vulnerable to cyclone damage, with its remaining fragmented populations unable to recover effectively from storm events. Invasive plant species compete aggressively with native palm regeneration, while seed collection for horticultural trade has reduced natural recruitment in wild populations.
Habitat
This endemic palm inhabits coastal and lowland forests of the Mascarene Islands, particularly Mauritius and Rodrigues, typically growing in well-drained soils at elevations up to 400 meters. The species prefers semi-humid to humid forest environments and can tolerate some exposure to salt spray in coastal locations.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in ARECACEAE
Threatened in Mauritius
Frequently asked questions
Why is Dictyosperma album classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Dictyosperma album live?
What are the main threats to Dictyosperma album?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.