Dypsis decaryi

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Figure 1. D. decaryi

Contents

Synonymy:

Neodypsis decaryi

Common Names:

Triangle Palm

Distribution & Habitat:

Madagascan rainforest.

Description:

This is a very striking palm, with the leaves arising from three distinct points around the trunk, hence the name triangle palm. It can get to about 15 metres (50 feet), although since it is relatively new to cultivation, is rarely seen anywhere near that size. The leaves, about 2.5 metres (8 feet) long, point almost upright from the trunk, but then arch gracefully about 1 metre (3 feet) from the tip. They are grey-green in colour, pinnate, with a brown petiole covered in a whitish bloom.

The branched inflorescence comes from between the lower leaves, and bears yellow to green flowers. These later produce round black fruit about 25 mm (1 inch) in diameter.

Culture:

This spectacular palm makes an excellent specimen plant, and should be grown in the open without anything to obscure its unusual shape. It prefers full sun, and regular watering, however, it can stand occasional dryness and semi-shade. A very fast grower once established. It is also a very good container plant for a patio or large courtyard. Seed usually germinates within about 1 month of sowing.

Figure 2. D. decaryi inflorescence
Figure 3. Forest of D. decaryi at Utopia Palms&Cycads, SE Queensland.
Figure 4. D. decaryi in habitat, a little east of Taolagnaro, Madagascar.


Contributed by:

Mike Gray (Figure 1&3)
Ian Edwards (Figure 2)
Jack Sayers (Figure 4)


External Links:

Kew, PalmWeb, eMonocot, JSTOR, Trebrown, ARKIVE, Wikipedia

Google, Google Images, Flickr, PACSOA Forums, PalmTalk