Latest revision as of 20:53, 23 September 2016

Cyphosperma balansae' is a striking solitary pinnate palm from New Caledonia that has been grown by many palm enthusiasts in the best California climates, but rarely does it look perfect thanks to its particular fastidiousness about humidity. Probably the only places this palm is likely to succeed is near the coast or another warm, large body of water where it rarely if ever freezes. As an adult this palm demonstrates very pale petioles that rapidly fade from nearly white to jet black leaf bases. This ornamental coloration along with its tropical looking, arching leaves with stiff leaflets make this a great specimen palm in the tropics. A number of other Cyphosperma species have recently been entering cultivation making this one of the more popular genera among collectors, but so far this is the only species that has made it as far as California.