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Which climates and regions support most palm species?

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Dense grove of acai palm trees (Euterpe oleracea) with slender trunks and abundant green fronds growing on Combu Island in Belem, Para, Brazil. — Palm Wild acai palms (*Euterpe oleracea*) growing on Combu Island in Belem, state of Para in Brazil.

Most palm species are found in tropical and subtropical regions, primarily between latitudes 30° N and 30° S, though their overall distribution spans from 44° N to 44° S. These areas generally feature mean annual temperatures between 15 and 21 °C (60 and 70 °F) and typically receive at least 500 mm (20 inches) of annual rainfall.1

The greatest diversity of palm species occurs within mixed tropical and subtropical forests, particularly in the lowland rainforests of Central and South America, as well as those in New Guinea and the Sunda Islands. While most palms thrive on well-drained acid soils in these forest environments, they have adapted to a wide variety of habitats, including:1

Swamps and wetlands: Areas with poor drainage or brackish water, such as estuaries and lagoons.2
Deserts and seashores: Locations where underground water is accessible.2
Open landscapes: Including savannas, grasslands, and gallery forests.2
High altitudes: Some species grow in mountain and cloud forests, occasionally reaching elevations up to 3,000 meters.2