Livistona rigida, commonly known as the Mataranka Fan Palm, is a slow-growing palm tree native to the open woodlands and grasslands of Northern Australia. It is particularly adapted to the seasonal wet-dry climate of its native habitat. This species can reach over 20 meters in height, with large, hairless fronds that can extend over 4 meters on petioles of a similar length. The fronds are slightly waxy on the underside, which helps reduce water loss. As the tree matures, the base becomes wider and raised, while the trunk gently tapers towards the crown, giving it an emblematic form. The Mataranka Fan Palm is notable for its striking silhouette and the shade it provides.

The Mataranka Fan Palm is valued for its tropical appearance and ability to thrive in hot, arid conditions when given adequate moisture. It is often used in landscaping for its ornamental foliage and as a feature plant in parks and large gardens. It requires full sun exposure and benefits from soils with medium drainage. While it is relatively low maintenance, it does require space to accommodate its eventual large size. Gardeners should be aware that the roots are shallow, which may pose a problem in high-wind areas or if planted too close to structures. There are no major disease issues, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs.CC BY-SA 4.0