Palms   Balaka seemannii

Synonymy: Ptychosperma seemannii , B. gracilis , and B. cuneata Conservation Status: It is not considered endangered. Distribution & Habitat: Endemic to Fiji. They are widely distributed throughout rainforest areas in Vanua Levu and Taveuni Islands with high rainfall from 140 meters and more in elevation. Description: An elegant palm with some found up to 7 meters but many maturing at around 2 meters height. It has a slender trunk rarely seen more than 3-4 cm thick and attractive colorations between grey to brown with the crownshaft slightly darker. It holds only 6-7 fronds of about 1.5 meters or less in length. Fruits are red, ellipsoid and slightly pointed when ripe. This is a common palm which has been used as spears and as walking sticks and in more recent times as a decorative wall lining similar to a bamboo screen. Cultivation: This palm prefers light shade but survives in full sun when given plenty of water. It also does well as a pot plant.

Figure 1. B. seemannii .

Figure 2. B. seemannii inflorescence and seeds.

Figure 3. B. seemannii in habitat.

Contributed by:

Jim Valentine (Text & Figure 1,2&3)

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