Palms...


Areca triandra
Native to India and Malaysia, this clustering palm grows to about 15 feet. The trunks are slender, measuring one to two inches in diameter. With it's clean appearance and orange/red fruit clusters, it is a nice ornamental species for smaller areas.










Areca vestiaria
This tropical to subtropical clumping Indonesian palm can reach as much as 30 feet in height. Both clustering and single trunk forms may result from the same seed source. The orange/red fruit and bright orange crownshaft make this palm a favorite in partly shaded locations. Different forms are available that range from yellow-orange to red although the red form may not retain its color with maturity.










Bismarck Palm
Bismarckia nobilis
This huge palm from Madagascar can grow 150 to 200 feet in its native setting. It does well in the drier tropics but can succeed in our lava areas that provide good drainage. These palms were planted near the tiger's night house.








Fishtail Palm
Caryota mitis
Native to southeastern Asia this clustering palm attains heights up to 30 feet. As the trunk matures the flower stalks emerge from the topmost leaf axil, then at each successively lower axil. When the lowest axil flowers the trunk dies. This does not affect the overall life of the plant because it has multiple trunks and new trunks are produced continuously. The seed covering contains a crystal that is highly irritating when touched.




Hawaii natives
Pritchardia
Pritchardia is Hawaii’s only endemic palm genus. (Endemic is defined as “native” and highly localized in the wild.) Some have either become extinct or are on the verge of becoming so. Only five of the species are not endemic to Hawaii, including Pritchardia pacifica which is from the Fiji Islands. Hawaii is home to more native palm species, even though they are within the same genus, than any other state in the U.S.A.

Past research have identified anywhere from 17 to 33 Hawaiian species plus 6 variations as unique, but a number of factors have yet to be resolved. A recent study sets the number at 19. Only three species within the Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo have been positively identified, primarily because identification methods are dependent upon flower and/or fruit characteristics. Until samples are available, names will continue to be uncertain. To add to the confusion, seed sources must be carefully examined because of the ease of hybridization of Pritchardia.

Early Hawaiian settlers referred to all Pritchardia species as lo`ulu. If one were to visit early Hawaiian home sites, a common scene would include Pritchardia planted near the dwelling. Early Hawaiians used the plant parts for thatch, hats, fans, umbrellas and food. As many as one half of Hawaii’s Pritchardia species are in danger of extinction today. Poorly implemented government policies, human depredations, wild pigs and goats, rats and grazing animals continue to lead the Seeds of Pritchardia affinis. way to destruction of these beautiful palms.




Ivory Cane Palm
Pinanga kuhlii
A native to Indonesia, this clustering palm can reach a height of 30 feet but is normally shorter. Leaflets are not uniform in size or shape as those leaflets closer to the base of the stalk are narrower than those toward the tip. In a shaded exposure the leaflets will display a mottled appearance. The ivory cane palm has very striking seeds that change into a wide variety of colors as they develop.








Ivory Nut Palm
Metroxylon amicarum
This Caroline Islands large single stemmed palm may grow to 60 or more feet in height. The fruits are large, three to four inches in diameter, with a decorative husk, which consists of shiny, overlapping scales. The seed, with its uniform solid texture, became known as “vegetable ivory” and is used as an ivory substitute. Many beautiful carvings have been produced from these seeds. This particular species, unlike other Metroxylons, does not die after flowering.









Ruffle Palm
Aiphanes aculeata
A single stemmed palm from northern countries in South America that attains heights of 30 feet with a trunk ringed with black spines. Spines are also found among the leaflets. The bright red clusters of fruit are rich in carotene and are used in candies. This “wait a minute” palm is native to Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. The species name means having leaves like the fishtail palm. The former species name caryotifolia has been replaced by aculeata.





Red Sealing Wax Palm, Lipstick Palm
Cyrtostachys renda
This colorful, slow growing Malaysia palm is commonly found growing in swamps close to the coast. Its common names are derived from its resemblance to the red wax seal used by royalty and from the red dyes used in lipstick. Tropical conditions are required to successfully grow this palm, which is a favorite of our photographically inclined visitors. The bright red stems usually grow up to 20 feet. Stem colors range from red through orange to yellow forms although the bright red form remains the most popular.

Back to Zoo Facts Plants