Rhopalostylis baueri var cheesmanii, known commonly as the 'Kermadec Nīkau' is native to wet rocky forests on the Kermadec and Norfolk Islands.
Rhopalostylis baueri, is native to two locations. Norfolk Island (an Australian island) is the home of the classic Rhopalostylis baueri but there is also a population in Kermadec Islands, a New Zealand territory.
The population of Rhopalostylis baueri on Norfolk Island is near the elevated center of the island, rare elsewhere. In this locality, it is threatened by rodents that eat the seeds and young seedlings. In the Kermadec location, this species is found on Raoul Island. It is more plentiful there because there have been efforts to eliminate the rat population. Of note, it is this population of Rhopalostylis from the Raoul Island of the Kermadecs that were, at one time, considered to be Rhopalostylis cheesemanii. In 2005 the latter was stripped of its species categorization and named a "variety" of R. baueri.
The Kermadec Nīkau is a close cousin of the New Zealand mainland variety. A faster-growing Palm growing up to 15m in height with fronds that tend to arch more gracefully with a tight feather duster appearance to them. Able to adapt to the sun, wind and a light frost when established.
Nīkau always looks good planted in groups or can live many years in a pot on the deck patio or by the pool.