Hedyscepe canterburyana

Common names

Umbrella Palm, Big Mountain Palm.

Curiosities

Threatened in habitat.

Origin

Lord Howe Island, Australia.

Habitat

Found in cliffs with moist rocky soils. Grows in open windy hills.

Morphology

A beautiful palm up to 10 m tall, having an unarmed, single, grey trunk with prominent whitish growth rings. The showing and thick crown has a greyish-green or silvery colour, a white tomentum and brown scales. Pinnate leaves, arched and erect, rough and dark green. Inflorescence under the crownshaft. Red fruits.

Climate

Temperate, tropical, subtropical.

Germination

Seeds germination may be difficult.

Growing

Rather resistant to sea wind. Needs a rich and well-drained soil, high humidity, plenty of water, and some shade as a youngster. Slow grower. Fruit takes years to ripe.