Licuala kunstleri

Licuala (lik-oo-AH-lah) kunstleri (koonst-LEHR-ee)
Kuala Tahan, Pahang, Malaysia. Photo by Dr. John Dransfield, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew/Palmweb.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Licuala (lik-oo-AH-lah) Species: kunstleri (koonst-LEHR-ee)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Asia
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Costapalmate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
None.

Habitat and Distribution

Malaya, Thailand. Rainforest on the Malay Peninsula.

Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Photo by Lee Tracy.

Description

A small, usually solitary, fan palm with a short trunk. The leaves have very long petioles, with broad leaflets, the central one usually being the widest. It has a short, closely packed, upright inflorescence with bright red fruit. Editing by edric.

Culture

Tropical Moist Forest, Cold Hardiness Zone: 10b

Comments and Curiosities

This unusual Licuala comes from rainforests on the Malay Peninsula. It forms a short trunk that is usually solitary and holds several very long stalked fan shaped leaves with broad leaflets, the central one usually widest. The dense, short, upright inflorescence with bright red fruit makes this species immediately recognizable. It appreciates a shady spot in the tropical garden. (RPS.com)