Licuala parviflora

Licuala (lik-oo-AH-lah) parviflora (par-vih-FLOR-ah)
Photo by Clayton York, Utopia Palms, & Cycads, QLD. Australia
Scientific Classification
Genus: Licuala (lik-oo-AH-lah) Species: parviflora (par-vih-FLOR-ah)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Oceania
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Costapalmate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
None.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to foot hills of rain forest zones, in northern, Papua New Guinea.

Nong Nooch, Botanic Garden, Thailand.

Description

Growing to 2 m tall, and solitary. A small palm, with very finely divided leaves. Looks rather like a larger leaved Rhapis palm. Editing by edric.

Culture

Likes regular watering and fertilize once a year, with a slow release fertilizer. Temperatures from 5.C to 35.C. Tropical Moist Forest, Cold Hardiness Zone: 10b

Comments and Curiosities

Natural species, endemic to foot hills of rain forest zones in northern Papua New Guinea. Description- Do not gets confused to see the leaf segments of this little palm look more or less identical like rhapis multifida. But not, this is a short stemmed erect solitary licula, palmetaly divided like rhapis but having small spines on its petioles as usual like other licualas. Spines on leaf petioles are absent in rhapis species. This slow growing licuala is a dwarf plant, and can be kept as potted plants throughout its life. Leaf segments and crown looks very attractive on a slender short trunk. Ideal location under cultivation- Prefers semi shaded warm and humid locations, Since the natural habitat of this palm is from worm tropical rain forest areas so definitely it is not cold hardy and to be protected from cold during winter. Care and maintenance- This little palm can be easily maintained as potted plant throughout its life with regular light feeding. Requires well drained potting mixture rich in humus and regular watering. The soil should always be moist and do not let dry. This palm enjoy good rain fall as potted plant at our place. Avoid over potting and check presence of earth worms in potted plants. Diseases and pest. So for we have not encountered any serious past on this plant, but the plants to be checked regularly. Mealy bugs are common pest in warm and humid locations. Young seedlings sometimes affected by crown rot, to be treated with systemic fungicides twice a month till they established properly. Status in its habitat- Not very common, may be threatened due to habitat loss and deforestation. A rare plant in cultivation, and nurseries. Mayflowernurserys.com)

A very rare, robust Licuala from mountainous areas in the northeast of Papua New Guinea with a short, stout trunk that carries a crown of numerous fan leaves with circular leafblades of narrow, glossy green segments. (RPS.com)

"Dainty solitary 'fan' palm with very deeply split circular leaves with leaflets about 1" wide and the same diameter from base to tip." (Geoff Stein)