Palms For California

Pronunciation: DIP-siss Slick Willy

Common Name:

Dypsis 'Slick Willy' is just one of several names given this species (or group of related species), obviously closely related as well to Dypsis onilahensis, that has been grown in California for several dozen years quite successfully and adult palms exist in several gardens now. Dypsis 'Bef' in California is likely the same plant. Note that Dypsis sp. 'Bef' is not always the same plant, either (seems that is a fairly common moniker with this 'sort' of Dypsis). With increased attention, it is hopeful that this (and related) plant(s) will soon be officially described and obtain real species names. It has good cold hardiness as well as excellent growing results in heavy clay soils. It is a fairly fast growing species with a colorful trunk and crownshaft. This palm, unlike the other 'two' forms of Dypsis onilahensis, has a tillering root.

Appearance and Biology Habit: clustering with a crown of 6-8 feather leaves per trunk Height: 30' Trunk: multiple; 5" in diameter; prominent rings; pale green, covered with a fine white powder Crownshaft: pale green to coppery with dense powdery tomentum; same width as trunk; 12"-18" tall Spread: 8'-15'+ Leaf Description: pinnate; arching and fairly flat; long, closely spaced leaflets; leaves sometimes have a twist to them; rachis white to coppery; 8' long Petiole/Leaf bases: 1' long in younger plants to nearly nonexistent in mature palms; unarmed; un-split; white/covered with white powder Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: Fruit:

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 28F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate to good Cool Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: moderate Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: moderate Soil Preference: widely adaptable, though seems to prefer heavily soils than extremely well draining ones Light Requirement: filtered sun to full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: likely a good choice Availability: very rare