The Round Leaf Fan Palm

Botanical Name : Livistona rotundifolia

Looking at this 'cute' young fella, can't help but think how appropriate it's name is.  While also known as the Footstool Palm, the former description couldn't be more apt. I like this perfect, rotund and happy face look.

here comes the sun

The ground's obviously hard and dry which is not a problem for this adaptable fella.  So just watch out for the sharp spines along its petioles.

Now too, I understand and appreciate why palm enthusiasts only grow theirs from tiny seeds and monitor every inch (cm) of its progress. A salute to the 3Ps, passion, patience and persistence.  Perhaps, add another P too, the price, as rarer species costs a lot more.

The Footstool Palm

Botanical Name : Livistona rotundifolia
Malay : serdang

Has another common name The Fountain Palm.  Not sure if it's seasonal but to see so many of them bearing long bunches of round, pea-sized, orangy fruits at this time of the year is enough to prompt me to take action to chart this plant.  Honestly, I'm guilty of ignoring this one for a while.

It's a very common palm used for landscaping and to see them practically grown everywhere sort of makes one feel blase.  This exotic, tropical palm is native to South-east Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.

Used generally for mass landscaping due to its hardiness and overall easy care. The round, dark green, glossy, fan leaves are split nearly to the middle.  However, when young the leaf splits are shallower and leaflets less divided.

round fan leaves with mid deep splits

The green berry like fruits mature and ripen to a deep orange which is stark contrast to the dark green leaves.

The trees provide shade and delicious morsels for bird life.  Most noticed picking away from the inflorescence bunches are the hungry black crows.

A solitary, woody palm, this species looks attractive (singly or in groups) where ever they are planted.  

precious pea

tinder dry for removal

Due to the height of the trees (20ft +), it's almost impossible to see any flowers!!!  Hmmm..next season?