New Zealand's distinctive Nīkau palm. It has a leaf scarred trunk and a spreading crown of dark green fronds. These emerge erect and gracefully weep with age. At the base of the leaves the inflorescence is crowded with purplish lilac flowers, followed by bright red seeds. Nīkau need protection from frost and strong winds. They do grow in most soils, however best in deep, moist, rich soil, otherwise can be slow growing.
Native stands of Rhopalostylis sapida are found in temperate parts of New Zealand and also on coastal areas of Chatham and South Islands. In these localities it is found in shaded forests and in the more moist bottoms of mountainous gullies. One does not see it at high elevation where severe cold may be seen. Rather it's in the coastal and warmer regions.
Being a slow growing species, it is reported that it takes ten to fifteen years in habitat before one begins to see a formed trunk. One report done by the New Zealand government reported that it took forty years to show trunk and that ten metre trees were 200 years old! The point here is that, as a species, the Nīkau Palm is slow growing in its natural habitat, so don't worry about planting one at your place, as it shouldn't get away on you!