Palms For California

Pronunciation: lack-uh-SPAY-dix aw-stall-ASS-ih-kuh

Common Name: Atherton Palm

Laccospadix australasica is the smaller cousin to the Howeas and much less often grown palm for California, though it really should not be. It may not be as spectacular a specimen plant as are is larger cousins, but it can have a striking and highly ornamental new red leaf and very tropical shape.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary or clustering with a crown of 8-20 pinnate leaves Height: 10' Trunk: single/multiple; 3" thick; closely ringed (in California- more widely ringed in tropics); medium green to grey with age; trunk at and just below living leaves consisting of leaf bases (un-split_ and thick, fibrous matte Crownshaft: none Spread: 5'-10'+ Leaf Description: pinnate; flat; medium green to slightly yellow-green; 3'-5' long; upright to arching, rarely falling below horizontal Petiole/Leaf bases: 1' long, upright; unarmed; powdery pinkish to whitish tomentum when new and fading to dull, light green with age; unsplit leaf bases, often retained on top 1'-2' of trunk Reproduction: monoecious; flowers very similar to those of Howea belmoreana- long, arching, upright to eventually pendant; from within leaf crown; unbranched somewhat resembling a whip Inflorescence: flowers similar to those of Howea belmoreana- long (3'-4'), arching upright to eventually pendant, unbranched and somewhat resembling a whip Fruit: 1/2"; ovoid; brilliant red and slightly shiny when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 25F Drought Tolerance: low to moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: low Wind Tolerance: low Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: very slow to slow Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: shade to full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: prone to bud rot if watered from above Transplants?: fairly tolerant Indoor?: supposedly a decent indoor plant Availability: rare but often available as even a larger plant (shipped in from more tropical areas) from palm specialists