Ptychosperma elegans

Habitat and Distribution

This is an Australian rainforest palm from Queensland.

Description

A medium sized palm, P. elegans has a solitary trunk usually about 3-4 inches in diameter. It's crownshaft is a distinctively olive color with a silvery, waxy coating on it's outer surface. The leaves are about 6-8 feet long on mature specimines and the leaflets are wide, terminate abruptly and jagged, and held at a stiff "V" angle to the rachis.

Culture

This palm will grow in sun or shade as long as it's kept well watered. Constantly moist soil is very important if grown in full sun in areas with lower humidity levels. As with most palms, P. elegans does better if given a rich, humus laden soil.