Allagoptera leucocalyx

Geoff Stein - Author & Editor

Pronunciation: all-uh-GOP-ter-uh loo-coe-CAY-lix


Common Name: none

Allagoptera leucocalyx is still a very rare palm in cultivation but some California growers have managed to find one, and they are growing in this state. It is similar in appearance to the common Allagoptera arenaria, though a bit less symmetrical in growth pattern. Fruits have brown fuzz on them. So far no mature palms exist in California.

Appearance and Biology
  • Habit: stemless with a body of 6-20 leaves
  • Height: overall height of plant estimated at 4' maximum
  • Trunk: subterranean
  • Crownshaft: none
  • Spread: 4'-6'
  • Leaf Description: pinnate; plumose; arching; 3'-4' long; leaflets glaucous underneath and dark green above
  • Petiole/Leaf bases: 6"; thin; pale green; unarmed
  • Reproduction: monoecious
  • Inflorescence: 2'; from within crown; arching; consists mostly of the peduncle; flowers in tight clusters near tip
  • Fruit: ovoid; 1" long; yellow-orange when ripe and covered with brown fuzz; reportedly edible
Horticultural Characteristics
  • Minimum Temp: 28F
  • Drought Tolerance: moderate
  • Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate
  • Wind Tolerance: good
  • Salt Tolerance: moderate
  • Growth Rate: very slow
  • Soil Preference: well draining but adaptable it seems
  • Light Requirement: full sun
  • Human Hazards: none
  • Disease or Horticultural Problems: none known yet
  • Transplants?: unknown
  • Indoor?: unknown
  • Availability: very rare


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