From the low mountain rainforests of the Fijian Island of Viti Levu, the Naitasiri Province is the last small home to Neoveitchia storckii a species endangered by habitat loss. As well as the trunks being used locally for construction, much of it's natural environment has been cleared for commercial crops, such as bananas. This species is now part of a government protection program, but remains under threat, due to it's very small and localised population. Related to the Veitchia genus, it is distinct due to it's fatter trunk and, despite appearances, doesn't form a true crownshaft. In habitat the trunks grow to a height of 15m/50' with a pronounced basal flare. The leaf bases form what looks like an almost black crownshaft, but it not regarded as a true crownshaft as it has a more open structure. The leaves, up to 5.4m/18' long, are dark green with long pendant leaflets, giving a very tropical appearance. As it's habitat would suggest, this is not a cold hardy species and will struggle to survive even minor frosts. Neoveitchia storckii has become fairly popular in cultivation, due to it's attractive, tropical appearance and, in frost free areas, it will grow well in full sun with plenty of moisture in a variety of well draining soils. Smaller plants require some shade, being allowed to grow up through the canopy.