A fast growing palm from Queensland, Ptychosperma elegans is commonly called the ‘Solitaire Palm’.
This is a palm tree that naturally grows in coastal rainforest areas and is an excellent palm tree for part shade.
The trunk is slender and grey in colour, the crown shaft is a deep green, fronds are arching and open.
In terms of cold tolerance, this is a palm tree that would find coastal Sydney gardens at its limit.
Landscaping Uses
This is a self cleaning and unarmed tree, often used in landscaping as an alternative to the Bangalow Palm, and as a small alternative to the Alexandra palm.
The natural growth habit is with a single (solitary) trunk, however iy can be planted in groups of two or three depending in the effect required.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Ptychosperma elegans
- Common Names – Solitaire Palm
- Climate – Tropical Sub Tropical
- Soil Humus – Well drained humus rich soils.
- Position – Afternoon shade, to dappled shade
- Frost tolerant – No
- Height – To 10 metres, usually less.
- Spread – To to 6 metres
- Foliage – Dark to mid olive green
- Flowers – Small and green followed by red berries.
- Flowering period – Spring to summer.
- Growth Rate – Medium to fast.