Sunday 18 January 2009

Howea belmoureana

Planted at Monserrate with a group of other palms in "Mexico" according to report 1890

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Howea belmoreana, known as the Curly Palm or Curly Kentia. Sadly only infrequently grown by specialists nowadays in Australia. The graceful arching leaves with upswept pinnae are such a contrast to the commonly encountered H. forsteriana. I have encountered a good number of old specimens in tiny gardens in older Sydney, usually dating from the 1880s to 1900s. Very valuable. Very slow growing on the mainland.

This is one of few solitary palms that can branch; I know of at least three, one with four(!)healthy crowns.