The Bottle Palm #3

Botanical Name : Hyophorbe lagenicaulis

As posted earlier, this native of Round Island in the Mascarenes is such a delightful palm to look at.  Its structure is compact and unique.  One can't help but think of a particular soft drink bottle it represents!

Prefers part shade but so far, all those sighted locally have been planted in full sun!  Perhaps, explains the yellowing of the feather leaves from the recent hot spell.  This is quite a hardy plant as long as there is adequate water (rain, of course!).

award-looking statuette

group specimen @ Prince Hotel & Residences, Jalan Conlay, KL

A robust and attractive palm, this space saving sculpture is lovely for the front lawn of any tropical landscape.

The Bottle Palm #2

Botanical Name : Hyophorbe lagenicaulis

Further to previous posts, The Bottle Palm,  this specimen certainly takes the cake!

Its interesting form is that it has a wind swept, reclining trunk which is rather unusual. Reminds one of the Leaning Tower of Pisa but more leaning. Fortunately, it's sited to receive the full sun and hence, not slanted towards the sunlight as earlier thought.

Gauging from its new shoot, it's certainly trying to 'correct' its path to maintain a decent balance for future survival.

making a U-turn

                                                  

gravity defying

well rooted

Meanwhile, its freshly bloomed inflorescence with clusters of small white flowers has certainly attracted the  attention of some small insects including a red dragon fly.

dragon fly point

young shoot

The future of this unique 'bottle trunk' located at The Secret Garden is going to be quite spectacular, a clear diversion from the way it was and I hope we get to see how nature takes its course, albeit in a long, long while yet.

The Bottle Palm

Botanical Name : Hyophorbe lagenicaulis

A native of Round Island in Mauritius.  Also known as the Palmiste Gargoulette, this short and stout, a dwarf actually, is a cute tree to accentuate any garden. Coming across this specimen is every bit as exciting as finding a treasure.  It's not as common, meaning it's more expensive here to invest in one of these for landscaping.

According to myth, the swollen trunk is the palm's unofficial water tank. Obviously, it looks and feels woody, so guess no one in their right mind would sacrifice their adorable exotic asset up for disection to bust that myth!

Together with the dark green pinnately arching fronds, this palm creates a very interesting and discernible profile.  And if one were to look closely at the leaf scars around the trunk, you will see lines of short black bristly fibres standing out.

                                                 specimen @ a school yard in Jalan Ipoh, KL

               cabbage spear

                                                                bursting at the seams

                                                                                                           bristles abound

A most desirable palm due to its unique shape, striking profile and overall size which is great for smaller gardens or containers. This is definitely one to add to the collection.