Palms For California

Pronunciation: bass-ihl-INN-ee-uh gluh-BRA-tu

Common Name: none

Basselinia glabrata is a beautiful smaller, solitary pinnate palm from New Caledonia that was only recently lumped in with the other Basselinias. For a long time it was the only member of the genus Alloschmidtia. This is one of the two easiest Basselinias to grow in California and tolerates a bit of frost as well.

Synonym: Alloschmidtia glabrata

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 6-7 feather leaves Height: 10' estimate Trunk: single; 4" thick; closely ringed trunk; blue green to brownish Crownshaft: 18" tall; barely wider than the stem below; olive green to lime green Spread: 4'-8' Leaf Description: pinnate; flat to slightly 'V'd; arching slightly; 3'-6' long; deep green; minimal leaflet droop Petiole/Leaf bases: 4"-6"; unarmed; light green Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 2'-3' long; pendulous; from below crownshaft; potentially more than one at a time (very few if any flowering in California) Fruit: ellipsoid; 1/2" long; black when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 28F Drought Tolerance: low Dry Heat Tolerance: low Wind Tolerance: low Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: moist and rich and well draining Light Requirement: filtered light Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare