Arenga engleri

Common names

Formosa Palm.

Curiosities

After H.G.A. Engler, German botanist who expended most of his life collecting plants through the tropics.

Origin

Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands.

Habitat

Hills of dense forests.

Morphology

A clumping palm with short trunks, covered with the fibrous old leaves. Pinnate leaves, long and broad. Inflorescence growing among the leaves (interfoliar). The fruits are rounded and red, and contain calcium oxalate, a caustic material that causes burning or irritation if eaten or handled.

Climate

From tropical to mild temperate. Cold resistant, frost tolerant. Has been reported to tolerate temperatures down to –5ºC (23ºF, USDA Zone 9a).

Germination

Seeds germination is difficult, takes a long time (make take up to one or even two years). It is therefore advised to soak seeds in water for some days and later to keep the substrate warm and wet in order to accelerate germination.

Growing

A slow growing plant. It has a bushy shape, more wide than high. Tolerates cold climates. Can be planted in shade or full sun. Prefers a soil rich in humus and plenty of water, especially during the warm season. Can be grown indoors.