[6] As of 2008, there appeared to be no molecular phylogenetic studies of Roystonea[5] and the relationship between R. borinquena and the rest of the genus is uncertain.

After six months, seedlings in full sunlight can reach a height of 30 centimetres (12 in); young trees can grow an average of 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) per year.

[3] Roystonea borinquena is native to Hispaniola, Puerto Rico (including Vieques) and St. Croix, St. John and Tortola in the Virgin Islands.

[4] The Critically Endangered Ridgway's hawk (Buteo ridgwayi), endemic to Hispaniola, favours R. borinquena when nesting.

[10] Palmchats (Dulus dominicus), another Hispaniolan endemic, favour the tree when building their large communal nests.

Its tolerance of air pollution, its ability to grow in a variety of soil types, and the fact that it roots do not damage sidewalks, increase its utility for landscaping and street planting.