Licuala bracteata

Licuala (lik-oo-AH-lah) bracteata (brak-teh-AH-tah)
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Scientific Classification
Genus: Licuala (lik-oo-AH-lah) Species: bracteata (brak-teh-AH-tah)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Asia
Morphology
Habit: Clustering Leaf type: Costapalmate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
None.

Habitat and Distribution

Vietnam (southern); lowland rainforest at 400-900 m elevation.

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Description

A rare understory palm fron the tropical rainforests of southern Vietnam, with circular leaves, divided into several broad segments.

Stems clustered, to 4 m tall, and 5 cm in diameter. Petioles to 1.3 m long; blades to 0.9 m wide, divided into 19-28 leaflets, these with curved sides, the central one not split, born on a short stalk. Monoecious; inflorescences shorter than the leaves, erect, to 1 m long, with up to seven branched, partial inflorescences, partial inflorescence bracts tubular; flowering branches zigzag, densely hairy; flowers borne on prominent stalks, in groups, hairy; fruits elipsoid. to 0.8 cm long and 0.6 cm in diameter, red, the petals remaining erect, as the fruits develop. (Dr. Andrew J. Henderson) Editing by edric.

Culture

Tropical Moist Forest, Cold Hardiness Zone: 10b

Comments and Curiosities

Uses| The stems are used to make tool handles, and the leaves to make hats.