Cyrtostachys renda is native to lowland rain forest in Thailand, Sumatra, Malaysia and Borneo. The trunks grow to 60 feet high in habitat. But cultivation are usually no more than that. The younger parts of the stems are green but the older are light brown to gray or sometimes almost white and are beautifully ringed. The crownshaft is smooth and slender and slightly bulging at the base. The leaves are 4-5 feet long. Leaf color is light to deep green above and a distinctly lighter grayish green beneath.

The Lipstick Palm needs abundant and constant moisture and constantly tropical temperatures. While it readily adapts to full sun when mature. It likes partial shade when young. Cold or dry winds are inimical to this species.

Cyrtostachys renda is one of the most beautiful palm species. Red crownshafts that makes this species irresistible. It does well in large humid and constantly warm enclosures with good light.

• Common name: Lipstick Palm and Sealing-wax Palm
• Origin: Thailand, Sumatra, Malaysia and Borneo
• Spaced required: maximum height = 60 feet
• Prefered conditions: needs constant moisture and tropical temperatures. It is marginal in zone 10b.
• Seed germination: hard
• Distinguishing features: red crownshafts, greenish white flowers, fruits are 0.5 inch wide, round and black
• Status: rare in cultivation