Palms For California

Pronunciation: DIP-siss hoe-voe-mant-SEE-nuh

Common Name: none

Dypsis hovomantsina is a very rare palm for California and one of the slower growing Dypsis species, despite being a large palm eventually. There are only young palms in California so far, and at their current rate of growth, it will be some time, if ever, mature palms can be found in this state. Adult palms look so different from juvenile palms it is hard to believe they are the same species, had not some grown to maturity in Hawaii.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 3-5 feather leaves Height: 15'-20' estimate Trunk: single; 8" thick estimate; prominent rings; nearly entirely covered at least on the upper portion with a layer of white wax; most of trunk dark green with white rings Crownshaft: 3' tall; covered in white waxy layer except for at the very top which has a thin layer of orange fuzz Spread: 20' estimate Leaf Description: pinnate; plumose (as an adult palm); flat to 'V'd and twisted somewhat as an immature palm; dark green as mature palm, light, bright green as juvenile; 10'-12' long as mature palm Petiole/Leaf bases: as immature palm, almost nonexistent petioles; as mature palm 6"-12" long; covered with a short, dense layer of orange fuzz as mature palm Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: from below crownshaft; 2' long; 18", thick peduncle; short, mostly pendulous yellow branches Fruit:

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 32F Drought Tolerance: low Dry Heat Tolerance: unknown Cool Tolerance: unknown Wind Tolerance: unknown Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: very slow to slow Soil Preference: seems adaptable Light Requirement: filtered to partial sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none known Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare