Palms For California

Pronunciation: beh-CARE-ee-oh-FEE-nix feh-nuh-STRALL-iss

Common Name: Madagascan Window Palm

Beccariophoenix fenestralis was originally named Beccariophoenix madagascariensis, and later, as B madagascariensis var. 'windows' (since another form that did not make windows was in cultivation), and finally, it was renamed 2014 by Dransfield because it just did not match his original description of the palm he described in Palms of Madagascar. This has been a very commonly attempted palm in California, but more often than not, it fails to thrive and make it to even trunking size, unless grown 'perfectly' in the right microclimate. More recently the other two species of Beccariophoenix have been grown more frequently as it turns out they are far better palms for most areas of California where such climates permit. This is a massive and beautiful palm, though, and certainly worthy of cultivation if one has the climate for it.

Synonym: Beccariophoenix madagascariensis 'Windows form'

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 15-25 feather leaves Height: 20' estimate (though may never be reached in California) Trunk: single; 10"-14" thick; clean; irregularly ringed; brown Crownshaft: none Spread: 12'-20' (depends on climate) Leaf Description: pinnate; flat; often twisted to a vertical orientation; deep, bright green (though yellowy far more common in California); about 100, long, thinnish leaflets per side of leaf; juvenile leaves fused with only 1"-2" divisions near leaflet tips; juvenile leaves have open, linear spaces between leaflet bases near base of leaf blade itself- the 'windows' Petiole/Leaf bases: 1' long; arched; lime green; dorsal surface often with scruffy fiber on it Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 1' long; consisting of mostly branches (basically no or very short peduncle); from below leaf leaf crown; spathes pressed vertically along trunk before opening; then open upright and droop soon after; pale yellow flowers Fruit: 1" long; tear-dropped shaped; dark purple when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 28F (though much warmer recommended) Drought Tolerance: poor Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: poor Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: moist and rich and acidic, though seems somewhat adaptable Light Requirement: partial to full sun (more protection inland) Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: difficult to keep from yellowing; very prone to bud rot from watering crown with tap water Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: poor choice Availability: rare but still available from most palm nurseries and specialty seed sources