The Eden Project’s Newest Addition: A Critically Endangered Giant Palm

A critically endangered species of palm, Tahina spectabilis, has become the rarest plant in the Eden Project’s Rainforest Biome. This October half-term, visitors will have the opportunity to see this extraordinary species, discovered as recently as 2006.

A Rare Discovery

The palm, native to the small Analalava district in north-western Madagascar, was only formally recognised by scientists in 2008. It is classified as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with fewer than 40 mature plants known to exist in the wild. The species’ habitat is incredibly restricted, covering less than 5 hectares, an area roughly three times the size of Eden’s Biome.

While Tahina spectabilis can be found growing in a limited number of locations across the globe, including Thailand and Brazil, the example now housed in the Eden Project was previously cultivated at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Due to its growing size, the plant was donated to Eden as part of ongoing conservation efforts.

An Impressive Giant

Tahina spectabilis is the largest palm species from Madagascar and can reach heights of up to 18 metres, with leaves spanning 5 metres in diameter. Its sheer size is so impressive that it can even be spotted in satellite imagery.

The palm in the Eden Project, currently standing at 4 metres, is estimated to be around 17 years old, but still has a long way to grow. Scientists believe it may take another 30 to 50 years to reach its full height. Unique among palms, Tahina spectabilis is monocarpic, meaning it flowers and produces seeds just once before it dies.

Catherine Cutler, the Eden Project’s interim head of horticulture, expressed her excitement about the plant’s arrival: “As horticulturists we are delighted that the Rainforest Biome is the new home for this magnificent palm, that we can play our part in the conservation of such an endangered species and that we, along with our visitors, can watch, and learn from it, as it grows.”

Conservation at the Core

The palm’s relocation from Cambridge to Cornwall offers the species a chance to thrive. Luigi Leoni, Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s glasshouse team leader, commented: “It’s really exciting for the Tahina palm to be able to reach its full size at the Eden Project – something that wouldn’t have been possible in our Glasshouses at Cambridge University Botanic Garden.”

This transfer could lead to the plant eventually flowering and producing seeds – a potential first, given that the species was only recently introduced to cultivation.

What’s On This Half-Term

As well as witnessing this rare plant, visitors to the Eden Project this October can enjoy a range of family-friendly activities. The Eden Project’s annual Halloweden season will run from 26th October to 3rd November, featuring insect shows, bug safaris, and the return of its popular ice rink.

For more details on what to see in the Rainforest Biome, visit www.edenproject.com.

This half-term promises a unique opportunity to witness conservation efforts in action while enjoying a range of autumn activities.