Palms For California

Pronunciation: buh-CARRY-oh-fee-nix mad-uh-gas-car-ee-EN-siss

Common Name: none

Beccariophoenix madagascariensis is finally a single species, matching the original description of this species in Dransfield's book on Palms of Madagascar. For some time it took second fiddle to what now is Beccariophoenix fenestralis and was called Beccariophoenix madagascariensis 'No Windows'. This palm is relatively new to California with only a handful of palms being planted over 15 years ago. But as growers quickly discovered, this is a far better palm for California than the 'original' one, which has pretty much turned out to be a bit of a dud. Though perhaps not as interesting as a juvenile plant, ending up with an adult plant is much more likely with this species, and it still is a beautiful palm. Now it is a relatively common young palm in the gardens of many California palm enthusiasts from southern to northern California.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of about 12-14 feather leaves Height: 30' estimate Trunk: single; 12"-18"; covered with a thick layer of fiber and retained leaf bases until it matures (no mature palms yet in California) Crownshaft: none Spread: 15' estimate Leaf Description: pinnate; flat to 'V'd, often with a slight twist with age; 10' long; very long, upright leaflets with little to no droop; leaves very upright only arching with age and length (very 'shuttlecock' look as immature palm); bright green Petiole/Leaf bases: 18"-24"; yellow; unarmed; leaf bases retained on trunk in younger palms; un-split Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 2'-3' long (estimate) from within crown; upright arching outward; branched; yellowish flowers Fruit: 1/2"; ovoid; purplish brown with some tomentum (no fruiting palms in California yet)

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 28F Drought Tolerance: low Dry Heat Tolerance: unknown Wind Tolerance: moderate Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none yet Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare but available at several palm specialty nurseries, only as small plants