Laccospadix australasicus

Laccospadix australasicus
Atherton Palm

Although not a rare palm in its native habitat--montane rainforests in northeastern Queensland, Australia between 800 and 1600 m (2600 and 5200 ft.)-- the Atherton Palm is rarely seen in cultivation outside Australia. This is particularly surprising as it adapts easily to a range of climates and as it is a highly attractive, smallish palm that will find room in just about any garden. It also adapts well to cultivation in the house. It has a slender, solitary or sometimes clustering stem that carries a small, upright crown of finely pinnate, dark green leaves. The flower stalk is unbranched and carries many small, bright red fruits. Laccospadix does not look unlike a small Howea, and indeed the two are closely related.

germination comments by our visitors
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Seeds from this species ...

... are average to germinate and need up to 6 months to sprout.
This species is common in montane rainforests of Australias Wet Tropics, which are an extremely contrasting habitat to that of the rest of Australia. The habitats receives between 3000mm-8000mm (8 metres) of rain per year and are often shrouded in cloud- hence the common name Atherton Mist Palm. It is similar in appearance to Howea forsteriana from Lord Howe Island, however recent genetic research has shown a significant difference between these two genera. It grows well in semi shade within the tropics, however the crowns of mature plants can tolerate full sun. A single or clumped form exists and additionally some plants produce a red new-leaf similar to some species of Calyptrocalyx which it is sometimes wrongly referred as. Overall a neat palm for milder climates.
Submitted on 01/12/2006 by Kris Kupsch tropicalbotanics@hotmail.com

... are very easy to germinate and need up to 3 months to sprout.
Close to 100% germination rate. Used baggy method placed above the hot water tank (25-30c). Subsequently slow but tough.
Submitted on 28/03/2006 by one of our visitors


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

Plants from this species ...

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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.

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Conifers for Gardens: An Illustrated Encyclopedia
by Richard L. Bitner

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More than 1500 photographs

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Suitable for: all

Conifers for Gardens is intended to take away the element of uncertainty when you're choosing a plant that may alter your yard for years to come. Profusely illustrated with more than 1,500 crisp photographs and brimming with concise descriptions of both species and their numerous cultivars, this meticulously researched reference provides information - including size, appearance, hardiness, preferred growing conditions and susceptibility to pests and diseases - for almost every hardy conifer you're likely to encounter in the trade, whether it's a tried-and-true favorite or a connoisseur's treasure.

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