Palms For California

Pronunciation: DIP-siss pah-loo-DOE-suh

Common Name: none

Dypsis paludosa is a slender, clustering (though solitary forms exist in cultivation), attractive palm that has been shown to grow well in several California gardens, even growing to adulthood fairly rapidly. Dypsis 'florencei' is a cultivational name for the form of Dypsis paludosa with more red in the leaf bases, but is not considered a separate species. Both unsplit and split leaf forms exist, though the unsplit leaf forms seem to be far more popular. Though probably best grown as an understory palms, they have been found to take a surprising amount of direct sunlight in milder climates.

Appearance and Biology Habit: clustering/solitary Height: 15' estimate Trunk: multiple/single; 2" in diameter; pale to dark green (often varying between each ring); prominent bulging rings about 4" apart Crownshaft: 10"-14" tall; same diameter to slightly wider than stems; yellow with some magenta at top in some individuals Spread: 2'-3' Leaf Description: pinnate; irregularly split to entire (bifid); 2' long; upright to 45 degrees; unsplit leaves notched about 1/3 their length; deep green; leaves have thin, raised lines along their length Petiole/Leaf bases: very short to non-existent Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: within leaves; 1'-3' long; pendulous; branched at the ends Fruit: 1/2" long; ellipsoid

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 30F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Cool Tolerance: low Wind Tolerance: low Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow to moderate Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: shade to partial sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: possibly a good choice but no data Availability: rare