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Chrysalidocarpus arenarum Jum.
| Family Name: | Arecaceae (Palmae) |
| Synonyms: | Dypsis arenarum (Jum.) Beentje & J.Dransf. |
| Common Name: | Hirihiry |
Chrysalidocarpus arenarum is clustering coastal palm endemic to Madagascar. It can grow up to 6 m tall and produces feather-shaped leaves with slender leaflets. It grows best in full sun with moist, well-draining soil and moderate watering.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Palm |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 6 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Madagascar |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Coastal Forest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a palm that can reach up to 6 m tall and has a clustering growth habit. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are slightly arching and feather-shaped, measuring 1.5–1.7 m long and bearing 28 – 30 pairs of leaflets. The leaf sheath is whitish green to pale yellow-brown and covered with a waxy coating and scattered reddish scales. The leaf stalk is 60 – 72 cm long. Young leaves emerge reddish before gradually turning green as they mature. |
| Flowers | The inflorescence is borne on the axils between leaves (interfoliar) on a peduncle measuring 34 - 57 cm long. It is enclosed by a pale brown prophyll covered with scattered scales. The inflorescence is composed of groups of three flowers, with two male flowers surrounding one female in the centre. |
| Fruit | The infructescence consists of clusters of fleshy, ovoid to ellipsoid fruits, 1–1.2 cm long and 0.8–0.9 cm wide, each with a rounded tip and containing a single seed. |
| Habitat | It is found in coastal forests, up to 15 m altitude. |
| Associated Fauna | Flowers are pollinated by insects. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Red |
| Foliar Type | Compound |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Palm Fronds (Pinnate / Feather) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Trunk Type (Palm) | Clustering Habit |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground |
References
| References | Dransfield, J. & Beentje, H. (1995). The Palms of Madagascar. Norwich, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the International Palm Society. |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 34724 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 9137 |
| 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. |
