Actinorhytis calapparia

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Actinorhytis callaparia palm, on the roadside near Gihinathena, on the way to Hatton, Sri Lanka. Photo by Philippe, edric.
Actinorhytis
{ak-tin'-oh-RIHT-iss) calapparia
(kah-lahp-PAHR-ee-ah)
AcDSCF1713.jpg
Actinorhytis callaparia palm, on the roadside near Gihinathena, on the way to Hatton, Sri Lanka. Photo by Philippe, edric.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Actinorhytis
{ak-tin'-oh-RIHT-iss)
Species: calapparia
(kah-lahp-PAHR-ee-ah)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Oceania
Oceania.gif
Morphology
Habit: Solitary
Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Calappa Palm.


Habitat and Distribution

New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Tropical rainforests from sea level to 1000m (3000').

Description

Actinorhytis calapparia originates from Papua New Guinea and The Soloman Islands, where it grows in low to mid elevation rainforests. It is a tall, solitary palm to 15m/48' and eventually grows above the canopy of the rainforest into full sun. The slender, light grey trunk only reaches 200mm/8" in diameter and is prominently ringed with the scars of old leaf bases. Above the trunk it forms a 900mm/3' long, pale green crownshaft, similar in diameter to the trunk. The open crown is formed by a relatively small number of 3m/10' long, heavily recurved, pinnate leaves, which are dark green with several, narrow leaflets up to 450mm/18" in length. A monoceious palm, it forms cream flowers of both sexes, which produce large, 75mm/3" ovoid fruit that ripen to red or reddish purple. This is a reasonably fast growing species, given plenty of nutrients and moisture and, although it will take light frosts, it will not tolerate sustained periods of cold and is generally regarded as only suitable for tropical and warmer subtropical areas. Whilst it will take full sun at maturity, smaller plants require plenty of shade and will become easily damaged by exposure to direct sunlight. In cooler areas it can only really be used in large indoor atriums with plenty of available light and humidity. a slender feather palm, oval red fruits to 6cm (2.5"). Editing by edric.

Culture

Cold sensitive, so it likes a sunny, well drained position in a tropical setting.

Comments and Curiosities

This is a monotypic genus.

A Betel Nut substitute, and becoming popular in Southeast Asia due to supposed magical medicinal powers.

External Links

References

Phonetic spelling of Latin names by edric.

Special thanks to Geoff Stein, (Palmbob) for his hundreds of photos, edric.

Special thanks to palmweb.org, Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. Bill Baker & team, for their volumes of information and photos, edric.


Many Special Thanks to Ed Vaile for his long hours of tireless editing and numerous contributions.

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