Calyptronoma plumeriana - who grows one?

[PalmatierMeg]

When I visited Cuba last year, I saw so many fabulous palms and I was inspired to try a few in my garden. Copernicia rigida neared the top of my wish list but none we saw had seeds and it is almost impossible (impossibly expensive?) to find in the US. Oh well. I also really liked the "shaving brush" look of Calyptronoma plumeriana but they weren't seeding either. But I got a really nice one from Floribunda. I posted photos of it below.

I want to plant it once the threat of cold weather is over for the season. Who else is growing this palm? Can you provide some cultural advice and wisdom? Photos?

[Geoff]

Here's one growing in Huntington Beach, California though not very popular out here

And here's one in Hawaii

[realarch]

Hi Meg,

This one has been in the ground since the spring of 2011, it was a 5 gal. Easy grow so far, so not much cultural info to offer.

It hasn't started to trunk yet, but it's becoming a handsome palm. Of course warm year round and plenty of moisture. Full sun

since planting and fertilizer very infrequently. I have to confirm, but I think it's been moved into Calyptrogyne.

Say hello to Tim for me.

Tim

[Mandrew968]

I have occidentalis--it opens a new red leaf, but other than floral differences, and ultimate height, there is not much difference in rivalis, plumeriana, and occidentalis(I picked occidentalis due to the red leaf and rumors it is less needy of wet conditions). Occidentalis is a good grower for me.

[Geoff]

According to the Kew plant list.org it is still Calyptronoma.

[realarch]

According to the Kew plant list.org it is still Calyptronoma.

Thanks Geoff. I always thought it was so un-Calyptrogyne looking anyway.

Tim

[PalmatierMeg]

I originally planned to plant mine on my garden lot, which is not irrigated, but I'm learning that these are water lovers so I'll have to rethink my plan about that. I also read they are 10b/11 palms which isn't surprising for a Cuban palm. C. rivalis - not Cuban - is critically endangered so I may look for one of those.

Great looking palm, Tim.