When one thinks of roof-top gardens, one hardly expects to see anything that is kind of 'larger than life' specimens. Oops! let me re-phrase myself... when (I) think of roof top gardens, (I) had hardly expected to see anything of gargantuan proportions.
Despite being very open to what I might see and having recalled reading that some folks took less than 30mins to tour the site, finding this rare specimen growing up there was like winning a top prize!
Also known as the Majesty Palm, this majestic palm is known to be found only in Madagascar, along rivers and streams. That it might be the only one I see in this country (on a roof top, far away from its riverine habitat) is such a privilege...
This specimen displays a strong, swollen trunk that's at least 36-40" in circumference which tapers to a healthy crown shaft comprising dark green pinnate feather leaves. While, it's a little too tall for me to get closer to the fronds but nonetheless, this is a stunner!
A solitary, robust, tropical, flowering palm it makes me wonder why there aren't more of them cultivated and grown here since the lack of water nor perennial sunshine would not pose a challenge. Our endless supply of rainfall should make these palms truly happy living here.
The crown shaft has turned orangy-brown but I guess it's just the older petiole readying itself for shedding or abscission.
The handy garden guide (just a tad smaller than A4 size) sits beside the gray trunk for comparison. Elsewhere, it may well be a popular house plant but for being this 'king size', I can't imagine it being indoors or on roof tops!!! No doubt, I shall be proven wrong ;-)
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