| Etymology | Genus | Needle, in reference to the leaflets | 
|---|---|---|
| Species | Tall, reference to name unknown | |
| Family | Arecaceae | |
| Synonyms | Chamaerops excelsa Thun., Rhapis major Blume | |
| Common Names | Bamboo Palm, Fern Rhapis | |
| Status | Exotic: Cultivated Only | |
| Form | Shrub | |
| Native Distribution | China, Japan | |
Rhapis excelsa is a shrubby palm cultivated widely here. It has palmate fronds, with each leaflet ending with zagged tips, and grows in dense clumps.
A similar species, Rhapis multifid has more slender and numerous leaflets, and with pointed tips.
 
                Densely clustered Rhapis excelsa.
 
            Palmate leaves.
 
            Zagged leaflet tips.
 
            Fibrous stem.
 
            Ripe white fruits.