Laccospadix australasicusAtherton 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. |