Description
Archontophoenix – King Palm
There are 6 species of majestic single stemmed palms from rainforest in East Australia in this genus. They bear large pinnate (2 regular rows along either side of the fronds midribs) leaves are arranged in terminal tuft above a prominent crown shaft. It produces large panicles or racemes of separate female and male flowers on the same plant of fragrant cup to star shaped flowers that attract insects are borne beneath the frond. Old fronds fall cleanly from trunk so shouldn’t be cut and they leave ringed scars. Cherry sized red fruit follows flowers.
When grown indoors grow in soilless potting mix in bright filtered light with moderate humidity. During growing season water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Keep just moist in winter,
When grown outdoors grow in fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained soil in partial shade to prevent leaf scorch in frost-free site. Can tolerate boggy conditions.
Prone to spider mites, Helminthosporium leaf spot, and Phytophtora root rot and aerial blight.
Archontophoenix purpurea – Mount Lewis Palm – This vigorous growing species is found from very high rainfall mountainous areas above the coast of North Queensland at altitudes up to 4,000’ feet in gullies granite boulders. Differs from Archontophoenix alexandrae by strongly tinged dull purple-gray new fronds almost bronze and the large size fruit up to 1” in diameter.
Zones 9-12
