Difference between revisions of "Cyphophoenix alba"

Latest revision as of 15:41, 22 September 2016

Pronunciation: sigh-foe-FEE-nix AL-buh

Common Name: White Crownshaft Palm

Cyphophoenix alba is a very rare palm in California and a fairly marginal one as well. However, near the coast where temps are more moderate (not too high, not too low) several have grown this palm to trunking size. It is a very colorful palm from New Caledonia, but a very slow growing one as well. It initially has a dark fuzzy, red-brown crownshaft which seems odd as its common name (not sure that is 'official') is white crownshaft palm… it does eventually form a white tomentum over parts of the crownshaft (starting at the bottom edge) and flower spathes, and the trunk eventually turns white as well. For many dozens of years it was known as Veillonia alba, but has be reassigned to Cyphophoenix early this century.

Synonym: Veillonia alba

Appearance and Biology

Habit: solitary with a crown of 6-10 feather leaves
Height: 20' estimate
Trunk: single; 5"-6" thick; closely ringed with green and white (white internodes can be as wide as green parts of trunk), gradually fading to white with rings less obvious from far away
Crownshaft: 1' tall; when short- red fuzzy, but when older, red coloration hidden mostly beneath a whitish waxy tomentum;
Spread: 10'-12'
Leaf Description: pinnate; flat to slightly 'V' with upright to horizontally oriented leaflets; dark green; 6'-8' long; leaflets 1" wide and closely spaced together
Petiole/Leaf bases: 6" long; medium green; unarmed
Reproduction: monoecious
Inflorescence: 1' long; nearly vertical, within pure white torpedo-shaped spathes, opening and then yellow and arching/pendent
Fruit: ovoid; 1/2" long; brownish when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics

Minimum Temp: 32F
Drought Tolerance: low
Dry Heat Tolerance: low
Cool Tolerance: good
Wind Tolerance: low
Salt Tolerance: unknown
Growth Rate: very slow
Soil Preference: moist, well draining and acidic
Light Requirement: shade to filtered light or even partial sun near coast
Human Hazards: none
Disease or Horticultural Problems: touchy palm
Transplants?: unknown
Indoor?: unknown
Availability: rare

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 <gallery>
+File:Cyphophoenix alba with Len shot GB.jpg|San Diego county, California
 File:Cyphophoenix alba matt.jpg|young palm in Bradford yard, San Diego county, California
+File:Cyphophoenix alba LB.jpg|Long Beach, California
 File:Cyphophoenix aka Viellonia alba.jpg|young trunking palm in Floribunda Palms, Hawaii
 File:Cyphophoenix alba again JM.jpg|older palms in Floribunda Palms, Hawaii
@@ Line 48: / Line 50: @@
 File:Cyphophoenix alba closer JM.jpg|Floribunda Palms
 File:Cyphophoenix alba petioles matt.jpg|petioles of California juvenile
+File:Cyphophoenix alba leaf bases LB.jpg|juvenile leaf bases, California
+File:Cyphophoenix alba leaflets LB.jpg|leaflets in California
 File:Cyphophoenix aka Viellonia alba flowers.jpg|
 File:Cyphophoenix alba flower spikes up close.jpg|

Difference between revisions of "Cyphophoenix alba"

Geoff Stein - Author & Editor

Latest revision as of 15:41, 22 September 2016