Clinostigma ponapense

NEW CALEDONIA: Near Colonia, 500-800 ft., 1984.

Clinostigma
(klyn-oh-STIG-muh)
ponapense
(poh-nah-PEN-seh)

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.

Scientific Classification

Genus:	Clinostigma (klyn-oh-STIG-muh)
Species:	ponapense (poh-nah-PEN-seh)

Synonyms

None set.

Native Continent

Oceania

Morphology

Habit:	Solitary
Leaf type:	Pinnate

Culture

Survivability index

Common names

Ponape Palm, Kotop.

Habitat and Distribution

The island of Ponape, in rain forests, in the Caroline Islands, east of the Philippines.

Description

Trunk type: Solitary. Hight: An emergent palm, To 20 meters, (67'). One of the few Clinostigma's with evenly spaced rings. Trunk is whitish in appearance, with a light green crownshaft. Spread: 4.6 meters, (15'). Leaf detail: Pinnately compound, fine leaflets, and drooping leaflets. this species developes stilt roots when mature. Editing by edric.

Culture

Requirements: Filtered light when young, full sun when mature, consistently moist soil, well drained position. Warm, sheltered, and moist. Plants in south-east Queensland, are growing well.

Comments and Curiosities

Clinostigma ponapensis, also known by the common name Kotop, is endemic to Pohnpei in the Caroline Islands of Micronesia. This species, forms Clinostigma palm forests on Pohnpei, where it is one of the most common species between 450 and 600 m. It is extensively used by Pohnpeians who use the large bracts to carry things and for kids as a sled to ride downhill! The leaves are used to make shelters in the forest. The growing tip of the stem is harvested for the heart of palm that is eaten. This is a fast growing palm.

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.

Glossary of Palm Terms; Based on the glossary in Dransfield, J., N.W. Uhl, C.B. Asmussen-Lange, W.J. Baker, M.M. Harley & C.E. Lewis. 2008. Genera Palmarum - Evolution and Classification of the Palms. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. All images copyright of the artists and photographers (see images for credits).