Palms   Rhapis multifida

R. multifida is a relative newcomer on the scene and this palm is very similar to R. humilis except that it is of a smaller stature. Very little information is available on R. multifida at present although it seems to require similar conditions to R. excelsa and shows promise as a houseplant. It is reported that R. multifida grows to about 2.0 metres tall with multiple stems to 10mm in diameter. Canes are covered in fine light brown fibres that adhere closely to the trunks. Leaves are dark green and fairly thick textures, moderate in size up to 600 mm across, and divided into many narrow segments that are joined near the base. The two outer and one central leaflet segment being wider than the rest. Although twelve is cited in the literature it has been stated that this palm can have up to thirty six leaflets per leaf, but fifteen is the most I have counted. Inflorescence is interfoliar, enclosed in tubular bracts, that are many branched. The branchlets are covered in fine hairs. Fruits are rounded to oval, and are about 9mm long.

Figure 1. R. multifida

Contributed by:	Heinz-Dieter Froehlingsdorf, (from PALMS & CYCADS No. 39, Apr-Jun 1993.)
	Mike Gray (Figure 1).

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