Rhapidophyllum hystrix aka Needle Palm

Rhapidophyllum hystrix, commonly known as the needle palm, is a fan palm and the sole member of the genus Rhapidophyllum. Native to the subtropical eastern Gulf and south Atlantic states of the United States, this bushy, slow-growing palm forms a dense base of stems that can reach up to 1–1.2 m (3.3–3.9 ft) in height. The stems are adorned with sharp, needle-like spines that protect the plant from browsing animals. With glossy, fan-shaped leaves that are deep green on the top and silvery grey beneath, the needle palm adds a tropical touch to gardens, even in colder regions. It bears purplish-brown flowers in dense clusters at the top of the stems, followed by roundish, red to brown seeds. The plant is cold-hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures, making it popular among gardeners in northern areas. It thrives in shaded and wooded slopes or along streams, and is often planted under trees, such as live oaks, to create a lush and tropical ambiance.