Balaka seemannii

Balaka (bah-LAHK-ah) seemannii (see-MAHN-nee)
Scientific Classification
Genus: Balaka (bah-LAHK-ah) Species: seemannii (see-MAHN-nee)
Synonyms
Ptychosperma seemannii, Balaka gracilis, Balaka cuneata.
Native Continent
Oceania
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Seemann's Palm, Spear Palm, Balaka Palm.

Habitat and Distribution

Balaka seemannii is endemic to Fiji. Balaka seemannii, a delicate understory palm.

On Taveuni Island, Fiji. Photo by Jim Valentine.

They are widely distributed throughout rainforest areas in Vanua Levu and Taveuni Islands, with high rainfall, from 140 meters and up in elevation.

Description

Found up to 7 meters high, but many maturing at around 2 meters height. It has a slender trunk rarely seen more than 3-4 cm thick and attractive colorations between grey to brown with the crownshaft slightly darker. It holds only 6-7 fronds of about 1.5 meters or less in length. Fruits are red, ellipsoid and slightly pointed when ripe. Editing by edric.

Culture

This palm prefers filtered light. It prefers warm and protected areas with plenty of water, and is very suitable for cultivation in the humid tropics. Cold Hardiness Zone: 10a Minimum.

Comments and Curiosities

"Attractive tall, very skinny palm with arching leaves and fish-tail shaped leaflets. This is the most cold hardy of the Balakas actually able to survive in some protected areas of southern California. Like all Balakas, native of Fiji or nearby islands." (Geoff Stein).

Uses: used for making spears, and walking sticks.