Balaka sp. 'natewa'

Balaka (bah-LAHK-ah) sp. 'natewa'
B. sp. 'natewa' juvenile. On Taveuni Island, Fiji. Photo by Jim Valentine.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Balaka (bah-LAHK-ah) Species: sp. 'natewa'
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Oceania
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
None.

Habitat and Distribution

Balaka sp. 'natewa' is endemic to Fiji. Balaka, a delicate understory palm.

"We found it very difficult to see the differences between this sp and B. sp. 'bulitavu' However they occur in different locations some distance apart and nowhere else." 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.

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.