Palms   Metroxylon vitiense

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.

Figure 1. M. vitiense .

Figure 2. M. vitiense new leaf.

Figure 3. M. vitiense germinating seeds.

Figure 4. M. vitiense .

Figure 5. M. vitiense .

Contributed by:

Jim Valentine (Text & Figure 1,2,3,4&5)

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