Palms
Metroxylon vitiense
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Distribution & Habitat:
A Fijian endemic that inhabits swampy areas in clearings where the ground is constantly wet and it receives good sunlight.
It can be found in a few stands on Viti Levu and in one location on Vanua Levu.
Description:
This is a stout palm to 15 meters in height with spined fronds to 5 meters in length. Seeds are roundish and up to 8 cm in diameter with green scales that later turn brown.
General:
The fronds are used for thatching and the heart is eaten.
Due to overuse it is considered vulnerable.
Cultivation:
A good, fast growing palm for cultivation but will need replacing after about 20 years as it is
monocarpic.
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Figure 1. M. vitiense
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Figure 2. M. vitiense
new leaf.
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Figure 3. M. vitiense
germinating seeds.
Figure 4. M. vitiense
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Figure 5. M. vitiense
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| Contributed by:
| Jim Valentine (Text & Figure 1,2,3,4&5)
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For further information try |
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Monocot
Checklist |
Palm
Web
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