Corypha umbraculifera

Common names

Talipot Palm.

Curiosities

Leaf blades are so big that a single one can be used as umbrella for several persons or as a roof. They were also used to write on them with a punch. A single trunk can give around 100 kg of a flour-like substance, which is used to make bread rolls. Seeds are really strong and have been used as ivory to make buttons and necklaces. Can be transplanted with the leaves folded like a big fan.

Origin

India, Sri Lanka.

Habitat

Forest.

Morphology

A single trunk, sometimes covered with the basal part of dead fronds; the scars can be seen when fronds have fallen. Enormous costapalmate leaves. Fruits rounded.

Climate

This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –6.7ºC (20ºF, USDA Zone 9a).

Germination

The big seeds germinate quickly when fresh.

Growing

Likes a sunny, moist, but well-drained position. Drought tolerant. Needs considerable space. Very slow growing.