Cyphosperma trichospadix

Cyphosperma (sigh-foh-SPUHR-mah) trichospadix (trigh-koh-SPAH-diks)
On Taveuni Island, Fiji. Photo by Jim Valentine.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Cyphosperma (sigh-foh-SPUHR-mah) Species: trichospadix (trigh-koh-SPAH-diks)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Oceania
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
None.

Habitat and Distribution

Cyphosperma trichospadix is endemic to Fiji. Thrives in rainy, cloudy, mountains and

On Taveuni Island, Fiji. Photo by Jim Valentine.

forests, at elevations ranging from to 2,000 to 4,000 feet (610 to 1,200 m.), on Taveuni and Vanua Levu.

Description

This is an understory palm. A medium size palm, growing to about 7 meters (23 feet), with a trunk thickness of 8 cm. Crown holding 7 to 10 fronds, 2 to 2.5 meters long, pinnae 0.60 m. Fruits are oval, and no more than 2 cm. long, a pale yellow when ripe. Editing by edric.

Culture

This palm is rare in cultivation, but may do well in tropical regions. It will require a lot of water, fair drainage, and filtered light.

Comments and Curiosities

Cyphosperma trichospadix, (trichospadix being derived from the Greek words for "hair" and "spadix," an allusion to the hirsute spathe of the inflorescence)