Species

Howea forsteriana

Etymology

Howea: Named after Lord Howe Island where these palms are found.

Common Name(s)

kentia palm

Authority

Howea forsteriana (C.Moore et F.Muell.) Becc.

Family

Arecaceae

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Structural Class

Monocotyledonous Trees and Shrubs

Habitat

The more commonly cultivated of the two Howea species in New Zealand (where it is usually known as Kentia Palm). Mostly found in old gardens and parks. Very slow growing. Most fruit is harvested by people before it matures.

Flowering

October - December

Fruiting

Year Round

Year Naturalised

2003

Origin

Lord Howe Island

Reason for Introduction

Ornamental.

Life Cycle and Dispersal

Long-lived perennial tree. Reproduces exclusively by seed. Seeds large, 20-40 mm long, somewhat fleshy, bright or dull red when ripe. Dispersed by gravity and possibly birds.

Tolerances

Cold intolerant



References and further reading

Johnson, A. T. and Smith, H. A (1986). Plant Names Simplified: Their pronunciation, derivation and meaning. Landsman Bookshop Ltd: Buckenhill, UK.

This page last updated on 26 Jul 2014