Ptychosperma elegans | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Monocots |
(unranked): | Commelinids |
Order: | Arecales |
Family: | Arecaceae |
Genus: | Ptychosperma |
Species: | P. elegans |
Binomial name | |
Ptychosperma elegans (R.Br.) Blume |
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Synonyms | |
Seaforthia elegans R.Br. |
Seaforthia elegans R.Br.
Ptychosperma elegans is a very slender palm endemic to the Northern Territory and eastern Queensland in Australia. It has the common names of Alexander palm,Solitaire palm, cabbage palm, and elegant palm.
The palm's native habitats are coastal rainforests in northern Australia.
Ptychosperma elegans is cultivated as an ornamental tree for planting in temperate climate gardens and parks. It is a single trunked tree, that in cultivation can reach 20–40 feet (6.1–12.2 m) in height.
The trunk is 1–4 inches (2.5–10.2 cm) in diameter. It is light gray or almost white, with dark leaf base scars encircling the trunk.
The pinnately compound leaves or fronds can reach lengths of 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) and are attached to a 1 foot (0.30 m) long petiole. They are dark green on the top and gray-green on the underside.
Inflorescences produce white male and female flowers. Fruits are bright red, about one inch in diameter, and egg shaped.