Hydriastele wendlandiana
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Common Names:
Florence Falls Palm
Latrum Palm
Distribution & Habitat:
Monsoonal rainforest, Northern Territory, Australia
Description:
Florence Falls palm is being adopted as a common name for our shade loving Hydriastele. An Arecoid species with short flat leaves and uneven pinnae, two or three slender stems, 7-20m tall, dominating each small clump.
Cultivation:
This palm has the frustrating habit of fruiting heaviest when access roads are impassable in the wet season. Very fresh seed is needed, pre-soaked for a week before defleshing and planting in shallow trays, germinating is six to twelve months. Small bifid seedlings are slow growing and prone to attacks of fungus. They do best in a humid atmosphere, heavy shade, and lightly fertilized. After approximately three years a 1m main stem with 2 or 3 basal suckers is ready to be planted in a sheltered position. Hydriastele can be moved if necessary, quite large specimens transplanting well. Cultivated and irrigated specimens fruit throughout the year.
General:
Not as well known outside enthusiasts' gardens as the Carpentaria acuminata, this species is gradually gaining acceptance as a moderately sized attractive palm for suburban gardens at the stage of "filling-in" beneath established plants. Only suitable indoors if protected from fans and breezes.
Contributed by:
Alan White (Text - from Palms & Cycads No. 20 July-Sept 1988)
Robert Tucker (Figure 1) from Palms of Subequatorial Queensland
Ian Edwards (Figure 4&5)