Licuala spinosa

Common names

Spiny Licuala, Mangrove Fan Palm.

Curiosities

Leaves are used for roof thatching and to wrap food.

Origin

South East of Asia.

Habitat

Near marshes and salty mangroves.

Morphology

Rounded leaves, around 1 m, highly divided in induplicate segments with a toothed apex. Inflorescence long and highly branched. A small fruit, rounded or ovoid, red when ripe.

Climate

Tropical. This palm has tolerated tempearatures down to –2.2ºC (28ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

Fresh seeds germinate quickly, but sometimes can take 12 months and seedlings appear sporadically. Keeping seeds in a warm place can help a faster and more uniform germination. Can be propagated by suckers.

Growing

This differs markedly from the typical Licuales, in that is cold tolerant, and prefers full sun. It also likes lots of water, and is usually very happy in poorly drained areas.