Palms For California

Pronunciation: gee-oh-NO-muh shaw-tee-AHN-uh

Common Name: none

Geonoma schottiana is the most 'California hardy' of all the Geonomas, most which are far too fastidious to grow anywhere in California. This Brazilian species is not the most ornamental of the Geonomas, and it still is a bit marginal in terms of looking good. But it has pretty good cold hardiness and fair heat hardiness for a Geonoma. Sadly, no new red leaves on this species. It is a pretty understory palm, but probably best if grown in small groups.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 3-6 feather leaves Height: 6' Trunk: single; 1"-2" thick; retained leaf bases near top; narrowly brown ringed trunk lower down Crownshaft: none Spread: 3'-5' Leaf Description: pinnate; flat; somewhat arching; medium green; leaflets slightly ridged; 2'-3' long Petiole/Leaf bases: 12" long; tan; unarmed; un-split bases Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: within leaves; 2' long; branched to several orders; purplish branches and peduncle Fruit: 1/2" long; ovoid

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 27F Drought Tolerance: low Dry Heat Tolerance: low Cool Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: low Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: shade to filtered sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: chlorosis and brown tipping common Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare