| A monotypic
and monoecious genus from Madagascar characterized by
its solitary trunk and pinnate leaves. Some growers
refer to one species of these palms as “window palms,”
because of the partial separation on the leaflets near
the petiole, which look like small windows. We are just
learning how these will grow in cultivation but are
excited by all three and their similarity to coconut
palms. |
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1. B. alfredii
Height: 40 feet
Size of Crown: 15 feet |
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Cultural requirements and other comments: A newly
discovered species just now being grown in cultivation.
It grow at higher elevation than the other two species
of Beccariophoenix from Madagascar but
like the other two looks remarkably like a coconut palm
at maturity. |
|
click to enlarge |
2. B. madagascariensis
Height: 40 feet
Size of Crown: 15 |
|
Cultural requirements and other comments: Also
newly discovered, this palm is reported to be quite salt
tolerant, growing well on the coast of Florida. Leaves
pinnate (no windows) from an early age and showing good
sun tolerance as a young palm. |
|
click to enlarge |
3. B. sp. ‘Window’ (Window Palm)
Height: 40 feet
Size of Crown: 15 |
| Cultural requirements and other comments:
A true Coconut substitute with small fruit and slower
growth, these palms grow naturally in low rain forests
with sandy soil. The trunk has woven fibers and large
leaf bases. It grows well in semi-shaded areas when
young, but can tolerate full sun. A 15 gallon size palm
from our nursery will be sun hardened and ready for your
Kona garden. The leaf windows make this palm an
interesting specimen in the landscape during its early
stages, and at maturity the crown can be an impressive
canopy. The Window Palm was originally B.
madagascariensis but taxonomists have given that
species name to a newly discovered Beccariophoenix
without the windows in the juvenile leaves. |
