Livistona australis

Common names

Australian Cabbage Palm, Fan Palm.

Curiosities

Named after the Baron Livingston Patrick Murria.

Origin

Australia (Queensland).

Habitat

Widely extended, South East of Victoria, East coast of Australia, Queensland. Grows in marshes, coastal areas, near streams, cliffs and rainforests. Not threatened.

Morphology

A solitary palm, up to 35 m tall and 30 cm in diameter. The trunk has annular rings and often has vertical fissures. Leaves 3 to 4 m, with a spiny petiole. Inflorescence shorter than leaves. Creamy flowers. Fruits globular, dark red to black when ripe.

Climate

Frost tolerant, tropical to warm temperate. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –5.6ºC (22ºF, USDA Zone 9a).

Germination

Seeds take 1 to 4 months to germinate.

Growing

Needs a rich, deep, and well-drained soil. Prefers a shady position, especially as a youngster. Has a good response to nitrogen fertilizers. Frost tolerant, even when young. Rather popular, often planted in gardens and avenues, both as a single palm and in small groups.