Palms For California

Pronunciation: DIP-siss al-bow-fair-inn-NO-suh

Common Name: none

Dypsis albofarinosa may be known by some as Dypsis 'White Stem' (sadly there are two completely different species with this moniker), but was officially described in the early 2000s as this species. By that time there were already a lot of seedlings growing in California, yet reports of adult palms are few. It is a an attractive, suckering species with narrow stems and a whitish crownshaft (along with several other similar Dypsis unfortunately). It seems to be a fairly hardy species that definitely should be grown more often throughout California.

Appearance and Biology Habit: clustering with a crown of 4-6 feather leaves Height: 12' Trunk: multiple; 1"-2" thick; blue-green with whitish patina; ringed with a slight 'step' at each ring Crownshaft: 18"-24" tall; whitish- yellow-green; barely wider than stem Spread: 6'-8'+ Leaf Description: pinnate; upright and arching down somewhat like a fountain; leaflets very narrow giving leaves a wispy appearance; leaflets upright in a 'V' with the tops acutely pendent; 5' long; bright to dark green Petiole/Leaf bases: thin; 2' long; pale blue-green; unarmed; un-split bases Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 18" long; horizontally oriented with many twisting branches; flowers yellowish Fruit: slightly ovoid; 3/4" thick

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 28F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: unknown Cool Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: moderate to poor Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow to moderate with age Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: filtered to partial sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: struggles a bit indoors (lack of sufficient light?) Availability: rare