| These are solitary or clumping pinnate-leaved palms found principally in New Guinea
and surrounding islands, extending to the Solomon Islands and northern Australia. Although they grow in a wide range of habits,
they are generally characterized by having slender, often gray, stems and prominent crownshafts with colorful inflorescences
below. Mulches are beneficial, and the palms respond strongly to fertilizers. |
|
click to enlarge |
1. . P. caryotoides
Height: Dwarf to small growing species |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: Small leaves with
unusual wedge-shaped pinnae. Dense white wooly scales on crownshaft This palm requires shade at sea level. The higher in
elevation it is planted, the more sun exposure it can tolerate. |
|
Click to Enlarge |
2. P. elegans (Solitaire Palm)
Height: 20 feet
Size of crown: 5-6 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: An elegant, solitary
palm with short dark green leavers held erect. It is adaptable to many growing conditions but likes a rich loamy soil with good
drainage. Responds well to fertilizer. Seeds are red and attractive. |
|
Click to Enlarge |
3. P. macarthurii (MacArthur Palm)
Height: 15-25 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: Clumping palm with
slender exposed stems topped by short cut-off leaves. Versatile and undemanding. |
|
click to enlarge |
4. P. salomonense
Height: 30 feet
Size of Crown: up to 15 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: Similar to P.
elegans, a solitary palm with longer, more broad and arching leaves. Fruit are bright red and decorative. Requires more
wind protection at lower elevations than P. elegans. |
| |
5. P.
sanderianum
Height: 15 to 20 feet
Size of Crown: 4 to 5 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments:
A medium sized clustering palm with blue gray leaves,
very fine leaflets, thin stems and an open crown. It
does better in moist but well drained soils. Can be
planted in filtered light to full sun. |
| |
6. P. waitianum
Height: 10 feet
Size of Crown: 3 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: A small clumping palm
with short, broad wedge-shaped leaflets. The first leaf is bright red, and the flowers are very distinctive, deep red and
densely scaly, followed by fleshy black fruit. This attractive palm requires protection from sun and wind.. |
