Pinanga crassipes

Pinanga (pih-NAHN-gah) crassipes (KRAHS-sihp-ehs)
Semengoh, Sarawak, Malaysia. Photo by Dr. John Dransfield, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew/Palmweb.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Pinanga (pih-NAHN-gah) Species: crassipes (KRAHS-sihp-ehs)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Asia
Morphology
Habit: Clustering Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
None.

Habitat and Distribution

Sarawak, Malaysia. (Borneo)

Photo by Judy

Description

This shade-loving understory palm is native to the forests of Borneo. A small species, with a very short, but quite thick (to about 70 mm in diameter) trunk, and pinnate, leathery leaves. Young plants have very heavy mottling on the leaves, but this disappears as the plant gets older. Produces lots of red fruit, turning black at maturity. Old plants form a short trunk and are topped with delicately pinnate leaves. Editing by edric.

Culture

A tropical lowland plant requiring high humidity and a minimum temperature of 20 C (68 F) for good growth. Prefers rich but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Cold Hardiness Zone: 10b

Comments and Curiosities

Of the many species of Pinanga, P. crassipes is certainly one of the best and most colourful. As a small plant, the leaves are blotched and mottled, as a mature plant, the seeds are bright red and produced in great numbers. All in all, a superb, easily-grown tropical beauty that everyone will want in their collection. (RPS.com)