Plantsguru Areca Palm Areca palm, the areca palm, scientific name dypsis lutescens (synonym:chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is a beautiful palm tree from madagascar. This plant is also known as butterfly palm, yellow palm, golden cane palm, madagascar palm and areca lutescens. It is a common ornamental in subtropical and tropical regions around the world. Probably it is the most cultivated nursery palm tree. However, it is Ã‚Â endangered and very rare in its natural habitat madagascar, the areca palm is a low maintenance plant and a fast grower. You can grow this exotic plant as a house plant. It will bring a tropical touch into your home and purify the air. The areca is consistently rated among the best houseplants for removing all indoor air toxins, the graceful areca palm tends to grow in clumps. The adult plant looks like a large bush that can reach 20 feet or more in height with a spread of 5-10 feet. Ã‚Â as a houseplant it is usually grown much smaller.