Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2738434

Manila Palm

Adonidia merrillii

Also known as Christmas Palm, Kerpis Palm

Manila palms are compact, solitary feather palms native to limestone karst formations in the Philippines, widely recognized for their neat crownshaft and arching pinnate fronds. Pendant inflorescences emerge directly beneath the crown, yielding heavy clusters of ovoid fruits that turn from glossy green to bright crimson as winter approaches. While heavily cultivated in tropical landscapes worldwide, wild populations remain restricted and face severe pressure from habitat loss.

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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Red Palm Weevil
  • Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
ThreatsHabitat destruction, limestone quarrying, and lethal yellowing disease
HabitatsTropical moist lowland forest, limestone karst, coastal scrub
Life span30–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderArecales
  2. FamilyArecaceae
  3. GenusAdonidia
  4. SpeciesAdonidia merrillii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild fruits have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone. Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognize wild stands on rocky limestone bluffs by their compact crown of 10 to 12 recurved fronds and ringed gray trunks.
Support conservation
Leave wild plants and their fallen seeds undisturbed in native habitats; source plants exclusively from certified nurseries.
Responsible observation
  • Seasonal Timing: Look for bright scarlet fruits maturing directly beneath the crownshaft from late autumn through winter.
  • Health Monitoring: Check the canopy for premature fruit drop or spear leaf wilting, which indicate lethal yellowing infections.
Related species
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