Geonoma brevispatha var. brevispatha

Geonoma brevispatha var. brevispatha
Cana preta

In its native countries of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay, this small, clustering palm is widespread and fairly common; in cultivation, however, it is still likely to be a new introduction. It usually produces large clusters of slender stems that are a little more than an inch (2.5cm) in diameter, each topped with a compact crown of finely pinnate, recurving leaves. In its native habitat, the high plateau of southern and central Brazil and neighboring countries to 1600m (5200ft), it generally occupies wetter areas in a fairly dry environment. Unlike most Geonoma, it will take both deep shade and full sun, dry winds, and very cool conditions though only mild frosts, making it suitable for most warm temperate and tropical climates. We believe this palm will have a bright future in cultivation and we now have commercial quantities available for the first time ever and at a very good price.

germination comments by our visitors
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Also see plant cultivation comments below.

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plant cultivation comments by our visitors
Also see germination commnets above.

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If you wish to read more on palm cultivation, we highly recommend Ornamental Palm Horticulture by Timothy K. Broschat and Alan W. Meerow, available in our bookshop.

Ratings and comments reflect individual experiences and the views of our visitors. They do not necessarily describe the most appropriate methods, nor are they necessarily valid for all seeds or plants of this species. Germination and plant cultivation success depends on many different factors; nevertheless, these experiences will hopefully aid you in your effort to get the best germination results from our seeds and the best growth results from your plants.

We recommend:

Martius, Book of Palms
by H. Walter Lack

Hardcover - 450 pages
19.8 x 13.5 inches!
11.1 pounds!
50 x 34 cm, 5 kg

Our Rating:

Suitable for: all

Martius's magnificent work on the varieties of palm tree. This epic folio was based on Martius's expedition to Brazil and Peru with zoologist Johann Baptist von Spix. From 1817 to 1820 the pair travelled over 2,250 km (1,400 miles) throughout the Amazon Basin, the most species-rich palm region in the world, collecting and sketching specimens.
In his epic work, Martius outlined the modern classification of palm, produced the first maps of palm biogeography, described all the palms of Brazil, and collated the sum of all known genera of the palm family. For apart from his own collection of specimens and notes, Martius also wrote about the findings of others.
Martius's folio is unusual in its inclusion of cross-sectioned diagrams, conveying the architecture of these mighty trees. Equally remarkable are the color landscapes showing various palms—often standing alone—which have a simple and elegant beauty. This famous work is an unrivaled landmark in botanic illustration and taxonomy.

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Other selected books are available in our Book Shop