Archontophoenix cunninghamiana

Common names

Bangalow Palm, Picabeen Palm, King Palm.

Curiosities

The genus name is derived from the Greek word Archon, meaning chief, and the word Phoenix, meaning palm. The species name cunninghamiana was given in honour to the Australian botanist Alan Cunningham.

Origin

East of Australia.

Habitat

Coastal areas of New South Wales and Queensland, from Eungella Range (near to MacKay) till the North of Bateman’s Bay in New South Wales. Near to fresh running water and marshes. Forests and open rainforests, up to 1000 meters above sea level.

Morphology

A slender grey trunk with the scars of dead leaves, and a very elegant arched crown. Green pinnate leaves lacking the silvery shade on their underside. Inflorescence under the crownshaft, violet purple in colour. Fruits are small, and shiny red. Monoecious. Hybridises with A. Alexandrae in cultivation.

Climate

Tropical, subtropical and temperate. The most cold hardy in its genus; easy tolerates temperatures down to -5ºC.

Germination

The fibrous seeds germinate quickly and easy.

Growing

Can adapt to all the Mediterranean area. It is a relatively fast grower. A perfect palm to be planted in groups. In some countries it is sold as indoor plant, but it requires high humidity and plenty of light, since at low luminosity may die due to fungus proliferation. Quite similar to A. alexandrae, but more extended due to its higher resistance.