Cyrtostachys renda

Common names

Lipstick Palm, Sealing Wax Palm.

Curiosities

Origin

Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo.

Habitat

Rainforest with a soil rich in humus and marshy areas, usually near the sea.

Morphology

Slender stems with annular rings. Pinnate leaves, quite rigid. Smooth and shiny crownshafts. Leaflets are reduplicate, folded, acute and usually erect. Fruits are oblong or ovoid, and black.

Climate

Absolutely tropical.

Germination

Very fresh seeds can germinate in a few months, but need warm.

Growing

Neutral to slightly acid soil.