Palms For California

Pronunciation: DIP-suss saint-LOOSE-ee-eye

Common Name:

Dypsis saintelucei is a good palm for many of the better climates in southern California and is a wonderfully ornamental Madagascan species. Particularly striking with its exaggeratedly recurved leaves and white crownshaft. Has surprising cold hardiness for such a tropical looking palm. Very popular but slow growing palm for southern California growers.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 6-10 leaves Height: 15'-20' Trunk: single; 5" thick; prominently ringed, green trunk; with some powdery white tomentum on it Crownshaft: long and narrow (same width as trunk) 2' long; heavy layer of white tomentum on it giving it a nearly start white appearance (wears off with time) Spread: 8' Leaf Description: pinnate; 6' long; markedly recurved with closely spaced, upright leaflets; leaflets near leaf have tendency to droop laxly; leaf color light green Petiole/Leaf bases: very short (1"-2"); speckled on sides and bottom; light green/flat on top; whitish to light green; Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: Fruit: Seed:

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 26F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: poor Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: very slow to slow with age Soil Preference: widely adaptable Light Requirement: full sun to filtered light Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: somewhat difficult when young Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare but readily available from some palm specialty nurseries