Description
Tall and slender this palm is a graceful beauty. The symmetrical crown is nearly spherical and held atop an arrow-straight trunk that will typically reach heights of 30 feet. The costapalmate leaves grow up to 9 feet wide and are held on 6 foot stems. Costapalmate means that the leaves are midway between palmate (shaped like the palm of your hand) and pinnate (feather-shaped.) Livistona decipiens has long (4 to 5 feet) folded segments that are only 3/4 inches wide. About 80 of these segments radiate out from the stem hanging like delicate ribbons toward the ground - inspiring this plant's common name ribbon fan palm. Flowers are yellow and are borne on a 4 foot inflorescence that is hidden among the leaves. The small black fruit is about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Location
Ribbon fan palm is native to the east coast of Queensland, Australia. It's graceful form and robust nature has earned this palm a place in tropical and sub-tropical landscapes around the world.
Culture
Ribbon fan palm happily adapts to many types of soil except those that are wet and soggy. Light: Will thrive in part shade to bright sunny exposures. Moisture: Drought tolerant but young palms will need watering until established. Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 11. I have had one of these palms growing in my Zone 8B garden for the past 8 years. Even though it is still very small it seems to be able to handle temperatures to about 20 F with no problem. In January 1999 the temperature fell to 16 F one night, the leaves were not burned but fungus attacked and rotted out the bud. When this happened a few years ago I was able to save the plant with applications of fungicide and pampering. Yes, I know, only gluttons for punishment grow plants outside of their hardiness zones - but this is a really attractive palm so I'm willing to expend the effort to nurse her back to health. Propagation: By seed. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep moist, they will germinate in 4 to 10 weeks.
Usage
Ribbon fan palm is an asset to any landscape. Plant where it's delicate leaves will not be shredded by prevailing winds. Plant in an openning among trees or up against a wall or structure that can serve as a backdrop so that it's lovely form may be appreciated. Small specimens do well in containers and grow rapidly enough to provide statisfaction to impatient gardeners.
Features
Attractive and tough, graceful and durable, consider adding this drought tolerant palm to your warm area landscape. Those gardening in colder zones should consider enjoying this palm as a container plant - it's easy to grow indoors if you have a bright area for it to share. You can obtain palms in Florida and other warm areas from nurseries specializing in palms. There are also several mail order nurseries that will ship young specimens to you.
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Description
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