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Caryota zebrina

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Caryota zebrina

Family Name: Arecaceae (Palmae)
Common Name: Striped Fishtail Palm, Zebra Fishtail Palm, Palem Tokek, Gecko Palm, Palem Belang

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Palm (Solitary Habit)
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Maximum Height 12 m
Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width 3 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution New Guinea

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Found in the mountains of Papua New Guinea, this solitary, small to medium-sized, understorey palm is most notable for its beautifully distinctive stripes on the petiole of the thick, glossy green leaflets that are at different angles and in irregular clusters along the fronds, giving a disorganised yet interesting appearance.
Trunk Trunk solitary, monocarpic (dying after bearing fruits only once), banded, grey, black fiberous residue present, up to 25 cm in diameter.
Others - Plant Morphology Floiage: Fronds bi-pinnate (twice pinnate; primary leaflets again being divided into secondary leaflets), glossy, dark green, usually no more than 5, fishtail-like (but are rounder relative to Caryota mitis; petioles distinctly brown and white banded. Flower: Inflorescences interfoliar (arising among the fronds), one terminal and one in each leaf axil developing strictly from top of stem downwards; flowers in triads (one female flanked by two males), spirally arranged. Fruit: Fruits globose, black when ripe, single or two-seeded.
Cultivation Prefers a sheltered and shady position with moist but well-drained soils. It is a very slow growing palm, but can take full sun once established. Propagate by seeds that germinate within 6 to 9 months with bottom heat.
Etymology The genus epithet 'Caryota' comes from the Greek 'caryon', a nut. The species epithet 'zebrina' derives from an allusion to the stripes of a zebra, in reference to the stem and petioles.

Landscaping Features

Landscape Uses Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade, Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Foliar Shape(s) Palm Fronds (Bipinnate)
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 2.5 (Palm - Solitary)

Non - Foliar and Storage

Trunk Type (Palm) Solitary Habit, Aboveground

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Black

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 1317
Species ID 2610
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 14 September 2024.
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