Eden

Penang Botanic Gardens Plant Collection

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana H.Wendl. & Drude (ARECACEAE)

Posted at — Nov 13, 2019
Bangalow Palm, Piccabean Palm

Description

Solitary feather-leafed palm to 30 m tall, 30 cm diameter. Dark green, red to purple crownshaft. The pinnate leaves regularly arranged in a flat plane, 4-4.5 m long with a short petiole. The inflorescence 90-120 cm long originates beneath the crownshaft and bears mauve flowers. Fruits globose in large bunches, brightly red when ripe, c. 1-1.5 cm across.


Ecology

In rainforest or other moist forest from sea-level to 1000 m altitude.

Distribution

Endemic in central eastern Australia.

Uses

Cultivated widely as an ornamental palm, although not very common.