Dypsis psammophila

Geoff Stein - Author & Editor

Pronunciation: DIP-siss sam-oh-FILE-uh


Common Name: none

Dypsis psammophila is one of the Dypsis that has been grown in California for over 20 years, though there are a lot of 'look-alike' species that often get confused with this one. It does not help that this plant seems very variable, at least in terms of coloration. Itn b is an attractive and colorful smaller, clustering species with narrow, powdery stems and wispy leaves.

Appearance and Biology
  • Habit: clustering with a crown of 4-6 feather leaves
  • Height: 15'
  • Trunk: multiple; 1" thick; ringed; light green to dark (nearly black), covered with varying degrees of powdery tomentum
  • Crownshaft: 12"-18" tall; same width as stem below; covered with thick layer of powder giving it a light color
  • Spread: 6'-12'+
  • Leaf Description: pinnate; very narrow leaflets; recurved with leaflets in a 'V'; leaflets arching and pendent near tips; 5'-6' long; upright to 45 degrees in orientation
  • Petiole/Leaf bases: thin; 1' long; unarmed; un-split; yellowy-green
  • Reproduction: monoecious
  • Inflorescence: from well below leaves; 1' long, thick and arching downwards; moderately branched
  • Fruit:
Horticultural Characteristics
  • Minimum Temp: 28F
  • Drought Tolerance: low
  • Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate
  • Cool Tolerance: moderate
  • Wind Tolerance: moderate
  • Salt Tolerance: unknown
  • Growth Rate: slow
  • Soil Preference: psammophila means sand loving, but plant seems adaptable
  • Light Requirement: filtered light to full sun
  • Human Hazards: none
  • Disease or Horticultural Problems: none
  • Transplants?: unknown
  • Indoor?: may do well
  • Availability: rare


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