Difference between revisions of "Heterospathe phillipsii"

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Heterospathe (heht-eh-ro-SPATH-eh) phillipsii (fill-ihp'-see-eye)
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Scientific Classification
Genus: Heterospathe (heht-eh-ro-SPATH-eh) Species: phillipsii (fill-ihp'-see-eye)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Oceania
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
None.

Habitat and Distribution

Fiji. The Navua palm is known only from three small, highly restricted populations in the forests of southern Viti Levu. One near Nakavu, inland from Navua, the site of the Natural Forest Management Project, the second on the immediate western side of the Navua River and the third inland from Deuba. It has also been reported from the Nukurua area in Tailevu, but this population has not been confirmed and the area is now under mahogany plantation.

Description

This is a solitary and generally slender palm that grows up to 15 m in height. The trunk may become quite stout, to 20 cm in diameter but is usually less than 15cm, and develops a pronounced bulbous base. The fronds are light, feathery and graceful with numerous leaflets; they reach 5 m in length and arch in a curve to below the horizontal and lack a crown shaft. Dead fronds, or frond bases, may persist on the trunk giving it a tattered appearance. When emergent the crown becomes much more compact with 10-12 fronds. The inflorescence is large and wispy, branched to two orders, with small dispersed fruit (a little over 10mm long) which are bright crimson when mature.

Culture

Comments and Curiosities

Habitat Ecology and Behaviour: This endemic palm occurs sparingly in and on the edge of dense lowland rainforest as an understorey, canopy or semi-emergent palm. These forests are some of the wettest in lowland Fiji. Masked Shining Parrots (Prosopeia personata) and Barking Pigeons Ducula latrans have been recorded eating the fruit.

Conservation Status: The late Dick Phillips ensured that this palm is conserved in botanical gardens around the world. However, in Fiji, there is no protected area containing these palms and in the wild, its conservation status is very insecure as it is found in lowland forest areas in the lower Rewa river catchment and most of these forests have already been cleared for alternative use and the remaining area is being steadily cleared for agriculture or pasture. The identification of a population which can be protected is a high priority.

Threats: An Endangered palm. One population of this palm occurs within the Natural Forest Management Project Site at Nakavu and so receives some protection there, however, this cannot be considered a secure long-term reserve. NatureFiji-MareqetiViti with the National Trust for Fiji has begun a project to establish a population of this palm in the Trust’s Garrick Reserve which is located only two km from the Nakavu population but has no Navua palms at all. Currently, 200 palms are being propagated by NatureFiji-MareqetiViti and the University of the South Pacific’s Botanical Gardens staff. These will then be translocated to the Garrick Reserve. The intention of this program is that the planting and maintenance work within the Garrick Reserve be undertaken by student volunteers from USP.

Remarks and Cultural Significance: The late Dick Phillips ensured that this palm is conserved in botanical gardens around the world. However, in Fiji, there is no protected area containing these palms and in the wild, its conservation status is very insecure as it is found in lowland forest areas in the lower Rewa river catchment and most of these forests have already been cleared for alternative use and the remaining area is being steadily cleared for agriculture or pasture. The identification of a population which can be protected is a high priority.

A very rare, slender, mid-sized palm to about 12 m (40 ft.) tall, with a smooth, solitary trunk and a compact crown of fairly flat, beautifully arching, glossy green leaves. The new leaves are an attractive reddish bronze color. It is native to Fiji, where a single population persists in the southern part of the island of Viti Levu in selectively logged, dense lowland rainforest on steep slopes. Largely unknown in cultivation outside of Fiji, it will adapt well to any humid, tropical climate. (RPS.com), edric.

Very rare and endangered palm from Fiji... where it's nearly extinct. Has the best looking crown of the genus with perfectly shaped, drooping leaflets. Relatively fast grower but very tropical in its needs.

Read more: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/67606/#ixzz2cLU0q8Ao

External Links

• Glossary of Palm Terms
• MODERN BOTANICAL LATIN
• "Just To Be Clear"
• http://www.naturefiji.org/endangeredspecie.php?id=16&english=Navua+Palm&specie=Heterospathe+phillipsii&type=Plant

References

Phonetic spelling of Latin names by edric.

Special thanks to Geoff Stein, (Palmbob) for his hundreds of photos, edric.

Special thanks to Palmweb.org, Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. Bill Baker & team, for their volumes of information and photos, edric.

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.