Recently bumped into this huge, stunning palm along an old busy thoroughfare into the city's commercial golden triangle. Finding shade and support beside an old raintree, many would have passed it daily but I wonder if they'd even noticed. Whilst this species has been 'cooking in my oven' for a while, seeing this beauty has heightened its priority.
A native of New Guinea and the tropical parts of Northern Australia, this is a vigorous growing, clumping species. It has numerous stems with distinct annular rings and luxuriant, dark green, feather fronds with broader leaflets which exhibit a healthy profile to its surroundings.
Grown in shade or sun, this species is bound to soar high and most seen are around 5m-8m tall. But for those thriving in the shade, their ringed stems are stretched higher and the fronds exhibit a softer, more delicate feel than those hardened by the strong sun.
In tropical regions, most palms flowering will be very much dependent on plant health and associated conditions. And this species is no exception. Fortunately, found this specimen in fruit, pea-like on inflorescence stalks and maturing from yellow to red. Very attractive indeed, needless to say, how delicious too they are for the birds!
This palm species is also extremely tolerant to a wide range of soil conditions hence making it the palm of choice for any inch of available earth in home gardens, landscaped greens, along streets and motorways. Am certain too that non-green thumbs like myself can take a stab at growing some without much effort!
Grown in larger groups, they certainly provide an oasis for mankind and a lovely microcosm for the avian kind!
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