Common Names:
Mataranka palm, usually appearing in brochures
of that popular tourist destination.
Distribution and Habitat:
This species, which is closely related to
L. mariae
,
is found at the Mataranka Hot
Springs Reserve and along the Roper River as well as in
scattered groups along rivers of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
It is also found as scattered remnants in open forest indicating
a previous more widespread distribution. Reed (pers. comm. )
states the species extends along the Roper River from
Mataranka to Elsey, about 70-80 km, being densest in the Red
Lily Lagoon area. It also extends a short distance along some
of the tributaries such as Salt Creek and Elsey Creek.
Description:
Large robust fan palms, stiff glaucous leaves with a coating
of thin wax on the underside. Strongly costapalmate with
heavily convoluted leaves.
|
Figure 1. L. rigida
in habitat, Mataranka, N.T.
|
Figure 2. An unusual triple clump, probably due to
3 seeds germinating together.
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Cultivation:
Seeds planted in deep trays will
germinate freely in a few weeks, but nothing will appear
above ground for 2 or 3 months. The seedbox should be placed
in the sun at this point and kept well watered. Seedlings are
moved to progressively larger pots, moderately fertilized
and a course mix used. To prevent fungus attacks plants
should be kept in full sun and plenty of wind, but very well
watered. It has bronzed leaves for its life in
pots, and retains this coloration a further 2 or 3 years after
planting out. Although often available in nurseries, it is
perhaps a little too big for suburban gardens.
General:
Comparatively fast growing,
L. rigida
could be more widely used in street
plantings. It is tolerant of frost, drought, wind and exhaust
fumes when mature. Gardeners with large enough grounds can
establish splendid specimens with very little effort, modest
water, mulch and fertilizer. Unsuitable for indoors, and
touchy to transplant when big.
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Figure 3. L. rigida
, Mataranka, N.T.
Figure 4. L. rigida
, Adels Grove, Lawn Hill Creek, north Queensland.
Figure 5. L. rigida
, Lawn Hill Creek.
Figure 6. L. rigida
, Lawn Hill Creek.
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Contributed by:
| Alan White (Text - from Palms & Cycads No. 20 July-Sept 1988)
| | Jeff Nugent,
Permaculture Plants
(Figures 1,2&3)
| | Mike Crisp (Figure 4,5&6)
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For further information try |
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|
Monocot
Checklist |
Palm
Web
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