Heterospathe longipes

Heterospathe (heht-eh-roh-SPATH-eh) longipes (lohn-JIH-pehz)
Scientific Classification
Genus: Heterospathe (heht-eh-roh-SPATH-eh) Species: longipes (lohn-JIH-pehz)
Synonyms
Alsmithia longipes
Native Continent
Oceania
Morphology
Habit: solitary Height: 10-12ft/3-3.6m Trunk diameter: 8in/20cm
Culture
Sun exposure: Mild full sun. Watering: moderate-wet Soil type: well draining.
Survivability index
Common names
None.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to Fiji, lives in the low elevation rain forests.

230 m. elev. Savusavu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni Islands, Fiji. Photo by Jim Valentine.

Description

It is a monoecious, pinnate palm that is relatively sparsely leaved and grows to a height of only about 10'-12'/3-3.6m. New leaf color is red-orange. Editing by edric.

Culture

This is a decidedly tropical palm, marginal in subtropical climates like South Florida. Does great in Hawaii, though, where it is rapidly becoming a common "collector's" plant among palm enthusiasts. Most were disappointed when it lost its monotypic status, and got moved to the genus Heterospathe, so it may be a little less sought after now. Needs lots of water and constant warmth.

Comments and Curiosities

This is a tillering palm, it exhibits saxophone style root growth (it has a heel), keep top third of heel above soil elevation!