The palm widely grown in cultivation as Licuala peltata var. sumawongii is currently regarded botanically as a variety of Licuala peltata, rather than a separate species. Earlier horticultural literature often treated it as Licuala sumawongii, and in the nursery trade it is also very commonly sold under the informal name “Licuala elegans.” While Licuala elegans is not a formally accepted botanical name, it became popular in cultivation because of the palm’s elegant appearance - large, nearly circular, pleated fan leaves that create a dramatic tropical foliage effect. The correct scientific name, however, remains Licuala peltata var. sumawongii.