Rhopalostylis sapida East Cape

Rhopalostylis sapida East Cape
East Cape Nikau

These seeds are habitat collected from Rhopalostylis populations in the East Cape area of New Zealand. This local form is quite similar to the famous and rare Nikau growing on Little Barrier Island, even though a bit smaller. Plants form a very large trunk and a gigantic crownshaft. The crown is large and spreading and the leaflets are wide. This form has probaly not been sold outside of New Zealand before. In cultivation, like all Rhopalostylis, it prefers cool climates that experience light frosts only and an abundance of moisture. It is a slow but reliable and steady grower and will over the years grow into a spectacular landscape palm.

germination comments by our visitors
For general germination instructions click here.

Also see plant cultivation comments below.

Seeds from this species ...

...very difficult to germinate and need up to 3 months to sprout.
I've not found it easy to germinate these, though, I've had better luck with this one than (Auckland).The first batch of (East Cape) that I tried, failed. Out of the seconed batch, I only managed 10% using the usual poly bag and vermiculite method at 25ºC to 30ºC.I think that fresh seed is a must, and I shall try sowing directly into pots next time.
Submitted on 12/03/2004 by Phil Markey phil@trebrown.com


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

Plants from this species ...

... have not yet been commented on. Be the first to write a comment:


	• • • Write a plant cultivation comment and enter to win Euro (€) 50 worth of seeds • • • Please note: These comments are on how to cultivate the PLANTS once the seeds have germinated.

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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