FAMILY:

ARECACEAE.

Genus:

Archontophoenix.

species:

cunninghamiana.

Common name:

Bangalow Palm.

Name derivation:

Genus: Greek archi- first chief, phoenix- the date palm - majestic date palm; species: after James Cunningham (d. 1709).

Growth habit:

Palm.

Dimensions:

Height 15-20m, trunk width 15-20cm.

Foliage:

Compound, arching; leaves 2-3m; leaflets 30-50cm; pinnate, leaflets lanceolate to linear; apex slender, acute; petiole short, channelled above; entir, margin.

Flower:

Borne below crown shaft, much branched, pendulous, monoecious; 30-40cm long panicle; lavender; slightly fragrant.

Fruit:

Ovoid, 1-1.5cm long, red/orange, waxy; mature December-March.

Other features:

Trunk brown to pale grey.

Natural distribution:

Qld and NSW.

Soils:

Moist wet clay loam to loam. Adaptable, ph 5-7 best.

Natural vegetation:

Warm temperature / tropical areas.

Landcare use:

Gullies / wet sites / swamps.

Propagation:

Seed.

Pests and diseases:

Palm dart butterfly, Case moth.