Clinosperma macrocarpa
Clinosperma (klih-no-SPURM-ah) macrocarpa (mak-roh-KAHR-pah) | |||||||
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Mont Panié. New Caledonia. 550 m. elevation., 07/07/2002. | |||||||
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Contents
Habitat and Distribution
Clinosperma macrocarpa is endemic to New Caledonia, only located in the North East of Grande Terre (the main island), Mount Panié. In rainforest. Substratum: Growing in deep sedimentary substrate (mica).Description
Robust palm to 15 m. tall, solitary, trunk 10 to 15 cm. in diam., Expanded at the base covered by large leaf scars, but less visible. Crown holds 6-7 leaves, regularly pinnate, more than 2m. long, with a petiole 26 cm. long, olive green sheath 70 cm. long, dark green, covered with brown scales outside laminators, orange color inside. Phenology: Inflorescences 1-2, arising under the crownshaft, a yellowish green, 80 cm. long, compact and horizontal, with many rachilla (22-37), with a robust peduncle 17 x 3 cm. Fruit somewhat spherical, 3.5 - 4 x 3 to 3.5 cm., purplish black when ripe, with the lateral stigmatic residue; thick pericarp, thin endocarp, and sculptured laterally compressed seeds. Editing by edric.
Culture
Comments and Curiosities
One of the rarest palms in the world, this species has attained almost mythical status among palm enthusiasts. It is practically unknown in cultivation and only a handful of trees remain in its native habitat in northern New Caledonia. Seeds have been said to be impossible to collect; however, we have done the impossible! Now your challenge is to get them to germinate. They have the reputation of being very difficult, to say the least, though few have tried. Perhaps fruits have not been completely mature at collection, as it is hard to detect when they are ready. There certainly is no other logical explanation. It is also possible that germination is simply very lengthy--and by this we mean years, not months. Lavoixia fruits have a thick peel, almost a shell, under which a fibrous, purple mesocarp can be found with a lovely, strong scent of ripe plums. The very hard-shelled, ridged and pitted endocarp resembles a peach kernel in size and shape. The actual seed is nearly smooth and the endosperm is very hard and nearly translucent. Based on DNA evidence, Lavoixia has recently been moved into the genus Clinosperma, a rather surprising decision in light of its very unique fruit morphology. (Rare Palm Seeds.com)
- IMAGE GALLERY
External Links
- Glossary of Palm Terms
- MODERN BOTANICAL LATIN
- "Just To Be Clear"
- http://nzpalmandcycad.com/?pg=96
- http://southeastgarden.com/new-caledonia.html
- New Caledonia photos in habitat.
- At Len's place. Vista, CA. Video by Troy Donovan, edric.
- The cultivation of Clinosperma macrocarpa seedlings by LJG
- The de-lidding of Clinosperma macrocarpa seed by LJG
References
Phonetic spelling of Latin names by edric.
Special thanks to Geoff Stein, (Palmbob) for his hundreds of photos.
Special thanks to Palmweb.org, Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. Bill Baker & team, for their volumes of information and photos.
Glossary of Palm Terms; Based on the glossary in Dransfield, J., N.W. Uhl, C.B. Asmussen-Lange, W.J. Baker, M.M. Harley & C.E. Lewis. 2008. Genera Palmarum - Evolution and Classification of the Palms. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. All images copyright of the artists and photographers (see images for credits).
Many Special Thanks to Ed Vaile for his long hours of tireless editing and numerous contributions.