Dictyocaryum lamarckianum

The most beautiful palm in the world? This fantastic species from the Andean Cloud Forest (to 2000 m (6500 ft.)) makes even Roystonea look bland. It is easy to believe this when you see its tall, narrow trunk supporting a crown of plumose leaves above a swollen crownshaft. The beautiful setting of its montane habitat on the sides of the Andes in South America only adds to its fascination. Not the easiest palm to grow, but well worth any special effort. Its smooth, slightly swollen trunk
can reach to 25 m (80 ft.) and carries a large, grayish crownshaft and up to six enormous leaves. The stiff, long leaflets radiate in all directions, giving the leaf a very full appearance. Dictyocaryum will thrive in a humid and cool, tropical, subtropical, or warm temperate climate. 

Photo courtesy and copyright © 2000, Martin Gibbons & Tobias Spanner, The Rare Palm Seeds Site.

This site is copyrighted © 1998-2006, Palm & Cycad Societies of Florida, Inc.
For questions or comments, e-mail the webmaster.
Internet hosting provided by Zone 10, Inc.