The flamethrower palm tree is named for the propensity of this tree to develop a new brightly colored leaf that may be anything from pink to dark burgundy in color. In contrast against the rest of the green foliage this new leaf can appear as a flash of fire. The flamethrower palm tree is native to the wet mountainous areas of New Caledonia, in the south Pacific. The fronds of this tree can grow to be up to 12 feet long and the tree overall can reach a height and width of 20 feet. The fruits of this tree are egg-sized and turn red, making them equally showy. This tree is not hardy in Chicago.