Balaka streptostachys

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Figure 1. B. streptostachys.

Conservation Status:

There are no cultural uses known and it is considered Critically Endangered.

Distribution & Habitat:

Endemic to Vanua Levu, Fiji. Their habitat is in only one area on Vanua Levu with high rainfall and under forest canopy.

Description:

This is the most solid looking of the Balaka species with a trunk of about 10 cm with obvious nodes and an overall height of 5 to 7 meters when mature. Most palms hold about 9 fronds of 3 meters with old fronds persisting to hang down the trunk. The distinguishing factors between this and other Balaka are its stout trunk and the twists in the rachillas. Mature fruits are orange-red and 2 cm long.

Cultivation:

This palm is not known to be tried in cultivation but would require plenty of water and shade.

Figure 2. B. streptostachys inflorescence.

Figure 3. B. streptostachys infructescence.

Contributed by:

Jim Valentine (Text & Figure 1,2&3)

External Links:

Kew, PalmWeb, eMonocot, JSTOR, Trebrown

Google, GoogleImages, Flickr, PalmTalk