Palms
 
Dypsis pinnatifrons![]()
Synonymy:
Dypsis gracilis ,
Dypsis sambiranensis ,
plus many others.Common Names:
UnknownDistribution & Habitat:
Widely spread in lowland and montaine rainforest along the east and north-west coast of Madagascar.Description:
A very attractive palm, up to 12 metres tall, but with quite a thin stem. The leaves, up to about 2m long are dark maroon when young, then turn a dark, shiny green as they mature. They can be widely spread over the stem, which gives the head of the palm a very distinctive character.General:
A very popular collectors palm, although it should be far more widely grown, given its attractiveness, and ease of culture. Very good for group planting.Culture:
Prefers shade as a youngster, altho it can take full sun as its gets older. Likes the standard moist, but well drained potting mix.
Figure 1. Attractive young plant of D. pinnatifrons .
Figure 2. D. pinnatifrons with a nice red new leaf.
Figure 3. D. pinnatifrons with a dark red new leaf.
Figure 4. A group of mature D. pinnatifrons at Palm Fascinations.
Note the bushy head of leaves, and full sun position.
Figure 5. A nice head of leaves. Note the cupped leaflets, and red new leaf.
Figure 6. D. pinnatifrons inflorescence.
Reference: The Palms of Madagascar by Dr. John Dransfield, and Dr. Henk J. Beentje. Contributed by: Colin Wilson (Figure 1,2&3) Mike Gray (Figures 4,5&6)
For further information try VPE PALM
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