Palms For California

Pronunciation: roe-pal-oh-STY-luss BOUGH-er-eye

Common Name: Norfolk Island Palm

Rhopalostylis baueri is a wonderful palm for California and should definitely be grown more often than it is now. It is a similar palm to its relative, Rhopalostylis sapida, but with a few minor differences (not always apparent)- a narrower crownshaft, longer petioles and more arching leaves. It also tends to have more color on the petioles and rachis. Otherwise the two are quite alike in both appearance and cultivation. There are several arguably two additional distinct forms in cultivation, including 'cheesemanii' and 'Chatham Island'.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 10-15 feather leaves Height: 40' Trunk: single; green to grey; closely ringed Crownshaft: 18" tall; deep green; wider than trunk; sides tend to be parallel (tend to be less bulging than Rhopalostylis sapida crownshafts in general) Spread: 15' Leaf Description: pinnate; moderately 'V' shaped on cross section; leaflets upright to somewhat lax near the ends; bright green; 10'-12' long; straight to arching somewhat near the ends; lower leaves more horizontally oriented compared to those of Rhopalostylis sapida Petiole/Leaf bases: 1"-12"; channeled; silvery-metallic colored to bright green; unarmed Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: from below crownshaft; 18" long; many branched; white; most of it pendent Fruit: ovoid; 1/2"; green to bright red when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 27F Drought Tolerance: moderate to low Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate to low Cool Tolerance: very good Wind Tolerance: moderate Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: partial to full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: poorly tolerant Indoor?: somewhat tolerant Availability: rare