| This is a large genus of small to medium-sized palms. They are mostly palmate-leaved
and can be either clumping or solitary-trunked. These palms grow naturally in areas like southeastern China, Thailand, Southeast
Asia, Sumatra, the Philippines, and Indonesia. They are mostly found growing under forest canopies. Most palms have
circular-shape leaves and armed petioles. These palms make impressive specimens in low light areas, such as shady gardens or
indoor containers. |
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1. L. glabra var. selangorensis
Height: can be up to 10 to 12 feet
Size of Crown: 6-8 feet |
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Cultural requirements and other comments: From
Thailand, this species has circular leaves with very
broad segments borne on long thin petioles. Like other
Liculala this palm needs protection from
the sun and likes an acid soil rich in humus. |
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2. L. grandis
Height: up to 10 feet
Size of Crown: 6-8 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: L. grandis
is indigenous to Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. . The undivided and circular shape of the leaves make this palm very
appealing. These palms rarely grow over ten feet and are ideal in smaller protected areas. L. grandis needs
partial shade with adequate humidity and good drainage. This palm makes an excellent container specimen or even indoor specimen
with proper conditions. |
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3. L. mattanensis ‘Mapu’
Height: 3 feet (maximum)
Size of crown: 3 feet |
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Cultural requirements and other comments: Licuala ‘Mapu’ is extremely slow growing and will never grow higher than 3
feet. The reward for the growers patience is a widely segmented circular leaf with a strikingly mottled yellow-green color
sought after by many collectors. It requires shade and a very acidic peaty soil. Unlike other
Licuala species, this one has
unarmed petioles and large linear and non-red fruits. |
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4. L. orbicularis
Height: 6 to 8 feet
Size of crown: 10 feet or more |
Cultural requirements and other comments: The dark
green shiny leaves of this species are large and
entirely circular with fused segments. This palm is
often trunkless, with the stem beneath the ground and
with petioles that can be six feet in length. It is a
particularly stunning palm that can be used as an accent
in the shady parts of the garden away from the tropical
sun.
L. orbicularis requires constant moisture and
warmth |
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5. L. peltata
Height: very slow to 20 feet in habitat
Size of crown: 15 to 18 feet |
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Cultural requirements and other comments: Mostly a
solitary trunk but sometimes clustering, this Licuala
species has deeply divided segments in a hemispherical
shaped leaf. Leaves can be 6 feet wide borne on 8 to 12
foot petioles. L. pelatata var sumawongii has circular
and undivided leaves. |
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6. L. ramsayi
Height: 30-40 feet
Size of crown: 15-18 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This palm can be seen
naturally growing in the swampy areas of Australia. It is a solitary-trunked palm that is appropriate for undergrowth areas at
immaturity but slowly grows into a canopy specimen at maturity. This palm grows best with partial shade, high humidity, and rich
soil. L. ramsayi is the tallest of the genus but drier conditions may stunt or decrease its growth rate. It takes
many years for these palms to achieve mature size. The circular leaf with wide segments makes this a most attractive palm. |
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7. L. spinosa
Height: 15-20 feet
Size of Crown: clumping to 15 feet wide |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This palm is
appropriately named for its spiny petioles. It can be seen growing naturally in coastal areas with heavy rainfall. It is a
clumping palm with circular-shaped leaves that are segmented. Adequate water and partial shade are ideal growing conditions in
immaturity, but L. spinosa can tolerate more sun at maturity. It is a good landscape feature in courtyards or even
indoors with optimum conditions. |
