This is a tropical rainforest palm native to tiny islands in the far southwest of Japan. More than 1,200 miles from Tokyo, the islands have year-round warmth and a stormy rainy season, much like southern Florida. Not surprisingly, the Yaeyama palm grows very well in our climate, and is one of the most graceful landscape palms available. It can grow to over 60 feet tall, and has prominent flower stalks and leaf sheaths with a distinctive reddish or purplish color.