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PALM TREE, CYCAD & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG
PLANTS FOR SALE

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THIS PAGE HAS CURRENT POSTS FOR SEPTEMBER, 2023

REMINDER: POSTS HERE UPDATED EVERY SEVERAL DAYS, SO RETURN
FREQUENTLY/ LOTS OF OUR FAMOUS BLOG ONLY "TEN DAY SPECIALS" BELOW.

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New plant arrivals, desirable species and requested plants included
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Brief comments given below. We trim this thread frequently to maintain 30 day run.
Information on sun requirements and cold tolerance given if available
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In depth posts with lots of photos on some species

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PALM PRICES OR CYCAD PRICES SPECIALS AND SALES
Specials below apply to drop in visits or mail orders. Photos are representative.
All specials have a termination date and always expire when the current thread expires
Ten Day Specials  expire ten days after date of posting and are marked in red color.
For any sale prices, you must mention all Blog Only Sale Prices when purchasing

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END OF SUMMER SALE 2023
20% OFF REGULAR PRICES ON EVERYTHING

GOING ON RIGHT NOW!

SEE SALE

WITH THIS 20% OFF SALE, YOU WILL PROBABLY FIND YOUR SALE PRICE IS EVEN LESS THAN SHOWN BELOW IN OUR NEW ARRIVALS BLOG!

WEDNESDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER, 2023

ZOMBIA ANTILLARUM
A SPINY TRUNK, SUCKERING FAN PALM

VERY UNUSUAL APPEARING
SOME ARE GROWING IT IN OUR AREA

I am unaware of any Latin derivation for the word "Zombie" or "Zombia". Paul Craft reports that it's derivation is from Haitian Creole where it translates into "ghost palm". Apparently the white fruits have a "ghost" appearance. The genus name of "Zombia" certainly draws your attention. This genus only has one species and it is native to the West Indies. Zombia is a suckering fan palm that gets to a height of ten feet or more and, over time, gets to be a wide suckering clump. The most interesting thing about this species is the organized spination seen on the trunks. Compare this to the Trithrinax acanthicoma. The spines on the truck of the latter are totally random. Zombia has rings of spines that are closely woven into a repetitive pattern with the spines pointing downward. For this reason, it is quite unique and can usually be recognized by the trunks alone. Over time, lower portions of the trunks may lose their spines, but they'll remain throughout most of the trunk.

We on ocassion have this species for sale. This is a slow grow species in pots and are faster in the ground. It can tolerate droughts but also responds to water and humidity. Zombia like sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F, perhaps a bit lower. In the garden, to show off the amazing trunk appearance, one might remove the most peripheral trunks so you can see into the clump and examine the trunks. Below I'm showing photos of mature plants with close-ups of the trunk and spines and a 5 gallon Nursery starter plant.

ENCEPHALARTOS MANIKENSIS
HUGE SPECIMEN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION

THIRTY TO FORTY YEARS OLD
AVAILABLE FOR SALE

This green Central African cycad is native to Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It is a prototypical cycad for a group of similar "species" in this region that are known as the "Manikensis complex". This would include such varieties or species as E. bandula, concinnus, chimanimaniensis and others. Taxonomists are still working out which plants deserve species status. In any case, E. manikensis is a medium sized green cycad with trunks up to four to six feet. Leaf lengths are also four to six feet long with glossy green leaflets. This is a quick growing species good for coastal sun or part sun and is cold hardy into the low 20's F.

The plant shown here in the first two rows was recently acquired from a private collection. It's in a 45 gallon container and has a 21 x 32 inch trunk. It is definitely botanical garden quality. And, right now, it's for sale at a discount. Shortly I'll publish a webpage with this plant and about fifty more. Prices for all will be shown there but you can email me for specifics on this plant.

BECCARIOPHOENIX ALFREDII
THE MADAGASCAR PLATEAU COCONUT PALM

MEDIUM SIZED SINGLE TRUNK
HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER - FULL SUN
AMAZING HUGE SPECIMENS IN 36 INCH BOX SIZE

END OF SUMMER SALE ON HUGE CONTAINERIZED SPECIMENS

This species of exotic palm is from the island of Madagascar. It is the third of three Beccariophoenix species described from this palm-loaded country. It is so sought after because some feel that it's the prettiest species of the three. And, because it may possess the best cold hardiness. I've documented other Beccariophoenix species tolerating temperatures below 25 degrees at our nursery. So, this species may survive in areas like San Francisco, Phoenix and Houston. It grows to a height of about thirty feet and does not have a crown shaft. Leaves are long and minimally curved. The crown of leaves are densely placed - so it offers privacy and screening of neighbors. Growth rate is medium in most areas and along the coast it likes sun. This species is hard to find. We're putting on sale the largest plants we've ever had for sale - in 36 inch boxes or 35 gallon bags. Heights in the containers is about twelve feet. Limited supplies.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 36 INCH BOX SPECIMENS $800
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $640

You must mention this Internet-only special when purchasing to get this price. Limited supplies available. Two habitat photos by TS at RPS. We only have one or two left.

BUTIA CAPITATA BLUE
EASY TO GROW, NOT TOO TALL
BLUE COLOR LEAVES, NOT GREEN - VERY COLD HARDY

END OF SUMMER SALE 15 GALLON SIZE

For about a decade we've been offering this very desirable and sought after variety of Butia that has a nice blue color. Otherwise, it's quite similar to the regular gray-green Pindo Palm. The problem is we always run out of them. To satisfy our customer demand, we recently got in some more of the 15g size. But, there are very limited numbers. We are offering them at one of the best prices we've ever offered. This palm loves full hot sun and can take down to 15 degrees F. So, almost all of you can grow this palm. The row of three palms in the last row are being grown in San Diego, CA, about a half mile from the Bay. These are cold hardy to about 15 degrees and demand full, hot sun.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $225
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $180

Just remember: Mention this Blog Special for your discount. We can easily mail order this size.

VEITCHIA ARECINA
EXOTIC MEDIUM TO TALL PINNATE SUN PALM

CAN BE GROWN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
RARE SPECIES - SELDOM SEE FOR SALE
END OF SUMMER SALE TRIPLE 15G SIZE

We have a limited number of triples of this species - three plants in one pot. This is like you so often see with King Palms. Inherently, this is a single trunk, crown shafted pinnate palm native to Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. In the wild, plants get to over 75 feet tall. In So California it is more typical to see one to 30 to 40 feet. They have a light colored crown shaft, speckled dark or black color near the inner crown area and sometimes on the leaf stems. Leaves are six to eight feet long and leaflet tips are pointed or slightly blunted. The trunk is narrow for a tall palm.

Shown here are triple 15g plants which we're putting on special. There are quite a few people who are growing this species in the coastal strip in our area.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $250
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $200

Please mention this Blog Only Special prior to purchase.

JUBAEA CHILENSIS
FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM
STATELY AND MAGNIFICENT SPECIES

END OF SUMMER SALE GOOD SIZED 15G

I'm down to the last few of the large 15g that we're offering for sale on this, the Chilean Wine Palm. These plants are approaching ten years old from seed! As most know, they are unbearably slow to grow and getting a nice plant as shown in the first four photos seems to take forever. Try it yourself some day from seed. You'll know why it takes a decade to produce a nice sized Jubaea. Interestingly enough, we ship a lot of this sized Chilean Wine Palms to people in colder states like Texas and South Carolina. This size are not the biggest 15g we offer, but fairly old and very nice. Typical basal trunk diameter is four to six inches on this batch. I do have massive 15g that are 10 inches in diameter, but they cost more. This size is an affordable size for people who want to save a lot of years of growing time.

Ultimate height can reach at least forty feet (in several decades) and trunk diameter up to four feet. The leaf stems are unarmed. Seeds are large and globular as shown here. Cold hardiness in into the mid teens F. It's a sun species, even in the desert.

REGULAR PRICE 15G AS SHOWN $350
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE $280

But, mention this Special to get your discount. Note that we have limited numbers but should be able to get more if needed. Mail order, in the pot with soil, totally possible but it'll be a big and heavy box to ship.

PRESTOEA MONTANA
AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

RARE PINNATE PALM FROM PUERTO RICO
END OF SUMMER SALE 15G SIZE

Prestoea is a genus that is very closely related to another palm genus, Euterpe. It is found in the Caribbean, Central and South America. Essentially all Euterpe are crown shafted palms. Many of the Prestoea are not. There are also distinctions between the flowers of these two genera. Also, many of the Prestoea are suckering. But, there is one that is single trunk. This is Prestoea montana, native to mountainous areas of Puerto Rico. I've always known of this species as not having a crown shaft. But, I've seen photos (including ones from native habitats) where a crown shaft is seen.

The hallmarks of this species are its wide and very shiny green leaves, its somewhat slender trunk and its overall beautiful appearance. Plant heights can reach forty feet or more. This species should be grown in part day sun or filtered light. It likes rich soil and ample moisture. I'd estimate its cold tolerance is down to about a freeze or a bit less. It is not a species for a beginner to try. We're putting the 15g plants on special. Note that this species has historically been known as "Prestoea montana" but in more recent years has been considered a variety of P. acuminata.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $245
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $196

Remember: Mention this Special for this price!

SYNECANTHUS FIBROSA
THE JELLYBEAN PALM
OPPORTUNITY TO GET OLD MATURE SIZE PALM

A FEW 20 YEAR OLD PLANTS FOR SALE
END OF SUMMER SALE ON A FEW 15 GALLON PLANTS

This single trunk pinnate palm is native to various areas of Central America. It has a thin ringed trunk with leaves that are about five feet long. Leaflets are wide with irregular leaflets width and spacing. Color is green. Flowers protrude away from the stem with attractive yellow seeds. It is a filtered light species. There is another suckering species in this genus, S. warscewiczianus. Cold tolerance is down to about a freeze or a bit less. Mature height is about twelve to fifteen feet. The plants we have on sale are super old (20 to 25 years) and are shown below in the first six photos. I can pretty much guarantee you that you'll not find comparable plants anywhere in the western U.S. I don’t normally have these for sale (wanted to keep them) so they are not listed in my availability list and I’m now selling the last ones on a Ten Day Special price. The plants on sale are shown in the first two rows of photos. The third row of photos is of palms now sold but were flowering size. The last photo is a fruting mature palm c/o Palmpedia.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 15G (ONLY HAVE #2 OF THEM) $395
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $316

PRITCHARDIA MARTII
BEAUTIFUL HAWAIIAN FAN PALM

FLAT LEAVES WITH SILVER – RUST UNDERSIDES
VERY RARE, EASY TO GROW
END OF SUMMER SALE 5 GALLON PLANTS

Fan palm enthusiast know that Pritchardia martii is one of the hardest of the Pritchardia genus to locate. We are presently offering nice five gallon plants on special as shown here. It is native to the island of Oahu where it grows at elevations of up to one half mile on mountain ridges. It has a trunk that's not thick and can get wide leaves up to six feet across. Leaves are pleated and green on top with a rusty-silver color underneath. Overall height can get to 20 feet but most domestic trees I’ve seen are much shorter than thin. In our area along the coast, this species tolerates full sun. Cold tolerance is in the mid-twenties F. Inland areas do best with a small amount of sun or filtered light.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $116

Remember: mention this Special when you purchase for this price..

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

LOVES SUN AND HEAT
PLANTS ON SPECIAL SIX FEET TALL
END OF SUMMER SALE 5 GALLON SIZE

This pinnate New World species is another favorite of mine. There are multiple species of Roystonea. The most common and sought after species is the Cuban Royal, Roystonea regia. Compared to the South American Royal Palm, Roystonea regia's leaves hang down past (lower than) the midway point of the crown. Roystonea oleracea's leaves stop at the "half moon" point and don't hang down near the trunk.

Royal Palms love heat and sun. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. They are fast growers. We have a pretty good supply available of assorted sizes. Note how the base of the well grown Royal Palm is quite swollen and fat. On up the trunk there is variable swelling present. The plants I'm putting on special today are an easily shipped size of 5 gallon but would take a tall box. They are about 6 to 8 feet tall in their pots.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $135
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $108

Remember to mention this Blog Special to get this price when you purchase. Note: All the garden photos below were taken in Southern California. Yes, they grow easily in many areas here.

ALLAGOPTERA ARENARIA
THE SEASHORE OR BEACH PALM

FULL SUN, COLD HARDY, DWARF
VERY DIFFICULT TO LOCATE
END OF SUMMER SALE FIVE GALLON SIZE

The nursery plants shown here are nice one gallon size. They are about three years old. This species is native to Brazil and lives near the ocean, often on sandy dunes near beaches. In general, it is very slow growing. Mature height height is about six feet. The leaves are plumose and fluffy. It is a single trunk species although it has the appearance of being a suckering species. It loves sun and heat. If you need a small palm for full sun that you can see over, this is a great species for you. These 5g are easy to ship in their containers with soil. This species is very difficult to find for sale nowadays and we only have one or two available.

REGULAR PRICE FIVE GALLON $145
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $116

Just mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

DICTYOSPERMA ALBUM VAR RUBRUM
PRINCESS PALM, HURRICANE PALM

MEDIUM HEIGHT - CROWN SHAFT – THIN TRUNK
END OF SUMMER SALE 5 GALLON SIZE

This is a somewhat rare, collector type of palm that would be attractive in almost any coastal or near-coastal garden. Native to the Mascarene Islands, this thin trunked, crown shafted palm gets to a height of about 25 feet. This variety is called "rubrum" because of the red color that is present on the stems and on juvenile leaflets. You'll note the red color on the emerging new leaf below. Overall, the leaves are green, arching and without any spines. Growth rate is medium. This is a coastal sun or part day sun species with a cold tolerance in the upper twenties F. I've had one in my garden for years in San Diego.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $108

Just mention this Blog Special when ordering to get this price.

LIVISTONA SARIBUS
LARGE, DARK & HOOKED SPINES

MEDIUM TO TALL FAN PALM
END OF SUMMER SALE 5 GALLON POT SIZE

This medium to tall fan palm is native to southeast Asia. It can get to heights of thirty-five feet or more. It is an interesting palm that is easy to grow and has a very ornamental leaf with deep divisions of the segments. Its leaf segments almost make a complete circle. Leaf color is green. The spines on the petioles tend to be dark in color and dramatic, usually the thing most people remember most about this species. Another interesting thing is that the seed fruit is blue in color as shown below. It is a sun species and cold hardy into the mid to low-twenties. The 5g on sale are nicely sized. We also have 15 gallon plants available. Shipping is possible. The last photo is by John Volk.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $145
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $116

DYPSIS PEMBANA
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING
NATIVE TO PEMBA ISLAND

TAKES FULL COASTAL SUN
END OF SUMMER SALE FULL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

There are both single trunk and suckering forms of this species. Nowadays, most of the plants available of this species are the suckering form. Both get to a height of 25 feet, have an attractive green trunk and a light colored crown shaft. Leaves have a graceful arch and the leaflet color is green. It's a great alternative for the garden. Note how the trunks are beefy but not overly large. Along our coast it will take part day sun but I'd recommend filtered or morning sun inland. The plants on special have four to five leaves and are 3 -4 year old seedlings in band containers. We do larger sizes available. I cannot tell you whether the plants we have (from seed) are the single or suckering type.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $48

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase. The 8th & 9th photos of a garden plant is c/o late friend Al Bredeson.

PALM SEEDLINGS
FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES ONE SALE

BAND SIZE - EASY TO SHIP
END OF SUMMER SALE BAND SIZE SPECIES BELOW

Below I am not giving species descriptions or photos of mature specimens. I've just shown the species names. I'm posting these for those who know their species and know what they are looking for. I have shown the most frequently seen common names for the palms below. Be aware that palms shown below may currently be bigger than shown in photos. Regular price on all of these is $60 to $65 each..

END OF SUMMER SALE ON BAND PALM SEEDLINGS:
$48 EACH, ANY OF THESE SPECIES BELOW

All can be mail ordered within the U.S.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX ALEXANDRAE

RARE TYPE KING PALM

CARYOTA GIGAS

KING KONG FISHTAIL PALM

CHAMBEYRONIA HOOKERI

THE BLOND FLAME THROWER PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA

SHAVING BRUSH PALM

JUBAEA CHILENSIS

CHILEAN WINE PALM

DIOON MEJIAE
AN ATTRACTIVE MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

SOFT EMERGING NEW LEAVES
END OF SUMMER SALE NICELY SIZED OLDER 2 GALLON

For many people, Dioon mejiae is one of their favorite cycads. It doesn't get too large, it has a very attractive crown of leaves, and newly emerging leaves are soft, fuzzy and so inviting. They are almost like a baby rabbit's foot.

Native to southern Mexico and Honduras, this species is similar to Dioon spinulosum. But, unlike the spinulosum, leaflets do not have the spines on the leaflet edges. And, the leaflets appear slightly different shaped. Leaves are four to six feet long, trunks typically under five feet although old habitat plants have trunks over twenty feet, and new leaves emerge vertically. Although they are soft at emergence, they eventually become straight and flat with firm leaflets.. Seeds of this species are large and tan in color.

I've found this cycad does best in part day sun or strong filtered light. Right on the coast, some grow it in full sun. But, I've found this creates more of a lime colored green cycad. For this reason, I prefer filtered light. It likes good draining soil and will tolerate temperatures into the low 20's F. Shown her are some larger nursery plants as well as garden specimens. We have all sizes of this species for sale and are putting oversized 2 gallon on sale. This size has caudexes about 4 inches in diameter with an age of about ten years.

REGULAR PRICE THESE OVERSIZED 2 GALLON $340
END OF SUMMER SALE ON THIS SIZE 2 GALLON OLDER PLANTS $272

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS - BLUE & GREEN VARIETIES
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE - LIKES COASTAL SUN
STUNNING SPINY LEAVES - BLUE OR GREEN OR IN-BETWEEN
END OF SUMMER SALE 5 GALLON SIZE

Encephalartos arenarius is from the coastal dunes and forest close to Alexandria in the Eastern Cape. This species is small to medium in mature size. Leaf length can range from one to two meters (i.e. three to six feet approximately) depending on cultivar and exposure to sun. Like many of the Encephalartos from the Eastern Cape, this species is variable in color, size and leaf type. E. arenarius can range in color from a dull green to a powdery white color (bearing a likeness to E. horridus). The plants of this species are both blue and green forms, but this plant below is the blue type - especially when in full sun. To get this color it will want full sun or an ample amount of sun. It prefers a well draining soil. Speed of growth of this cycad is good.

The size we’re putting on special are younger 5 gallon with caudexes of about an inch. They can continue growing in these pots for about three years. This batch should have blue-green leaves.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE 5 GALLON $165
END OF SUMMER SASLES PRICE $130

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount when you order.

CYCAS THOUARSII
EASY TO GROW GREEN CYCAD WITH LUSH APPEARANCE

“MEDIUM SIZED” IN MOST GARDENS
FROM EASTERN AFRICA AND ADJACENT ISLANDS
END OF SUMMER SALE - TWO LARGE SPECIMEN CYCADS

Cycas thouarsii is often mentioned as "coming from Madagascar", and that it does. But, there are also native populations in multiple eastern African countries and in the Comoros Islands. It is a medium to large sized cycad that can get trunks over thirty feet tall and twelve to eighteen inches thick in a hundred years. But, in the short term of 20 years, anticipate a trunk height of six or eight feet in the ground. Leaves are green, tend to be upright and have a length of six to nine feet. A healthy plant can throw forty new leaves all at once. Leaflets are paired and bright green. Leaf stems are armed with small hooks. Leaflets are leathery and reduced in size toward the base of the leaf. Similar in appearance to Cycas circinalis, this species thrives in Southern California and tolerates full coastal sun. In far inland areas, part day sun is preferred. Cold tolerance is down to the low 20’s F.

I’m showing two garden ready specimens of this species below. Both are sun grown. If these two sell, we do have other similar in this species.

1. 15 gallon with caudex 5 x 19 inches – shown in the first five photos.

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $1350
END OF SUMMER SALES PRICE THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON CYCAD $1080

2. 25 gallon plant with caudex (stem) 7 x 30 inches – shown in second batch 5 photos

REGULAR PRICE THIS ACTUAL 25 GALLON SPECIMEN $2400
END OF SUMMER SALES PRICE THIS ACTUAL SPECIMEN 25 GALLON $1920

PHILODENDRON SPECIES
THIS ONE IS A CLIMBING TYPE
LARGE GREEN ARROWHEAD SHAPED LEAVES

END OF SUMMER SALE LARGE 5 GALLON PLANTS
We have propagated these plants from a plant we got from a botanical garden. We do not know for sure the species. It's a great growing Philodendron that has about 12 to 14 inch arrowhead shaped leaves with pink to red veining on the ventral side. The dorsal leaves are entirely green. Leaf stems are yellow-green and firm. The plant shown below is going into flower. It has tolerated a freeze here at the nursery. It wants filtered light, not hot direct sun. It can grow in a pot if there's something it can attach to. Or, in the garden, it can grow up a pos, on a fence or up a tree trunk that doesn't shed its bark. These 5 gallon plants have five to ten leaves and are four to five years old. The garden photos show climbing Philodendron growing up anything they can find
REGULAR PRICE THESE 5 GALLOON PLANTS $125
END OF SUMMER SASLE THIS SIZE $95

ALOCASIA SUMO
HYBRID ALOCASIA - EXOTIC WITH SOME COLD HARDINESS

MEDIUM SIZED, LUSH TROPICAL COMPANION PLANT
END OF SUMMER SALE ONE GALLON SIZE

Alocasia sumo is a hybrid species - a cross between A. portora and "purple cloak". The cold hardiness comes from the portora parentage. This is a medium sized hybrid with 3 to 4 foot long leaves that are diamond shaped with a purple hue to the underside of the leaves. Leaves are a lesser purple-green and point upwards. There are prominent veins on the leaves. Plant height should be about 6 to 8 feet. It is reported that this species is a "7b" zone species which means it should tolerate a freeze. Obviously, it'd look best in summer. We'd recommend filtered light or limited sun although some are having good results with full sun near the beach. The juvenile plants on sale are in one gallon pots. They are being grown in an un-heated greenhouse. They are ready to be repotted into a 5 gallon pot. Mail order possible, weather permitting.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $45
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE 1 GALLON $35

Note, that if you want larger, we have nice 5 gallons and large 15g. The 15tg size are shown below in the last two photos. I’d offer a special price on these sizes as well.

VRIESEA HIEROGLYPHICA
FILTERED LIGHT RARE BROMELIAD WITH CROSS BANDED LEAFLETS

END OF SUMMER SALE LARGE 6 INCH POTTED PLANTS

This super attractive filtered light Bromeliad is native to Brazil and is known for having dark colored irregular bands across the leaves. A mature plant is about 3 feet tall with wide leaves. It is not for direct full sun. They like their cups to be replenished with water every week or two. These typically blossom yearly and put out sucker from their bases.

END OF SUMMER SALE 6 INCH SIZE $65
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE 6 INCH VRIESEA $52

MUSA SUMATRANA ZEBRINA
A NON-FRUITING BANANA ORNAMENTAL BANANA

TOP OF LEAF - RED BLOTCHES ON GREEN
BOTTOM OF LEAF - MAROON
END OF SUMMER SALE ONE GALLON SIZE

The plants I'm showing here are a non-fruiting type of ornamental Banana. Like most Bananas, it does sucker and the mature height is six to eight feet. It has light green leaves with attractive purple splotches and maroon underside. See photos below. It'd want full sun outdoors (along the coast) and should be cold tolerant well into the mid-twenties F. Some are also growing it as an indoor plant. We're putting our one gallon on sale. See first six photos below. Also shown below is our 15g size of a similar Banana - Musa sumatana hybrid that looks quite similar to the one on sale. But, these 15 gallon plants will produce fruit. In the garden sumatrana zebrina wants at least half day sun. Cold hardiness is into the mid 20's F.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $45
END OF SUMMER SALE PRICE 1 GALLON $35

PHILODENDRON SPECIES
RED ON BOTH SIDES

CLIMBING SPECIES - FANTASTIC PLANT!
END OF SUMMER SALE 2 GALLON SIZE

Shown below are plants that came from cuttings of a climbing Philodendron from my garden. Every morning at dawn when I work in my home office I look east out the window and see the morning light showing through this plants leaves. It's so beautiful and such a delight to see. The plant in my garden has now climbed up about 25 feet on a King Palm trunk. Leaves are about 18 inches long and 12 inches wide mature. Leaf stems are red. I do not know the species name of this plant. I got it from an old time collector 40 years ago. I've only offered it for sale once or twice in the past forty years. The first photo shows the back of the leaf with light showing through a leaf. As it's now nighttime while I'm writing this, I cannot take a photo of the mother plant.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $55
END OF SUMMER SALE THIS WIZE $44

I only have a handful of these available. It's a spectacular companion plant.

MONDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER, 2023

RHOPALOSTYLIS SPECIES
RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA, BAUERI, HYBRIDS

SHAVING BRUSH, FEATHER DUSTER, NIKAU AND NORFOLK ISLAND PALMS
EXCELLENT AND BEAUTIFUL PALMS WITH SOME COLD HARDINESS

In the genus Rhopalostylis there are certainly two recognized species. These are R. Sapida and baueri. Some believe that R. oceana and cheesemanii deserve species status as well. All four of these are single trunk, crown-shafted pinnate palms. All are from either New Zealand or nearby island areas. On all four leaves are green. Some species arch more than others. The crown shafts are clean and green colored. Trunks are thin to medium sized. On R. oceana and sapida the crown shafts are swollen. These species tolerate some sun along the coast but far inland areas would require only a few hours of sun with filtered light the rest of the day. We've discussed this great palm previously on this blog, but I wanted to show a few more pictures and remind you that we do have a good selection of this great genus for sale including some hybrids. Rhopalostylis sapida has the most upright leaves of all the species and gets to about 25 feet height. Rhopalostylis baueri has a more narrow crown shaft and more arching leaves. It also gets to a mature height of about 20 to 25 feet domestically. Mature heights may take several decades to achieve. This genus would also be on most people's top twenty list of desirable palm trees. Cold tolerance is about 22 or 23 degrees F. I recently saw some wonderful specimens of this species in the SF Bay area. The most common mistake is giving it too much sun if you live in a hot area. Shown here are an assortment of photos of garden specimens, close ups of leaves and trunks and some nursery plants typical of what we have for sale.

In this article I'm not presently addressing "varieties" of species such as "oceana", "little barrier island form", etc. Some are bidding that these obtain their own species status. Also, some argue that R. cheesemanii should be a sub-variety of R. baueri. With this said, some varieties do look different than the parent species and may merit their own species status.

Shown below are Rhopalostylis sapida, baueri and cheesemanii and hybrids which we sell at the Nursery. The middle photo in the 5th row is by Cloudforest.com website. If you have mature baueri and sapida side by side in the garden, the chances are quite good that some of the seeds produced will be a hybrid of the two species. Rhopalostylis seeds, all species, are red and small - about a centimeter in length. See photos. Almost all of these photos were taken in Southern California.

Rhopalostylis sapida - San Diego, CA	Rhopalostylis sapida	Rhopalostylis sapida - San Diego, CA
Rhopalostylis sapida	Rhopalostylis sapida	Rhopalostylis sapida crownshaft
Rhopalostylis baueri	Rhopalostylis baueri	Rhopalostylis baueri
Rhopalostylis baueri	Rhopalostylis baueri	Rhopalostylis baueri
Rhopalostylis cheesemanii	Rhopalostylis cheesemanii by Cloudforest.com website	Rhopalostylis cheesemanii
Rhopalostylis sapida seeds	Rhopalostylis sapida seeds	Rhopalostylis baueri 15 gallon
Rhopalostylis sapida 25 gallon	Rhopalostylis sapida 24 inch box	Rhopalostylis sapida 5 gallon
Rhopalostylis sapida x bauieri hybrid 15 gallon	Rhopalostylis cheesemanii 5 gallon	Rhopalostylis baueri 25 gallon pot
Rhopalostylis sapida Balboa Park, San Diego, CA	Rhopalostylis cheesemanii San Diego	Rhopalostylis sapida crown shaft and old flowers

RHOPALOSTYLIS BAUERI
NORFOLK ISLAND PALM

SINGLE TRUNK - CROWN SHAFTED
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

Rhopalostylis baueri, the Norfolk Island Palm, is native to two locations. Norfolk Island (an Australian island) is the home of the classic Rhopalostylis baueri but there is also a population in Kermadec Islands, a New Zealand territory. The population of Rhopalostylis baueri on Norfolk Island is near the elevated center of the island, rare elsewhere. In this locality, it is threatened by rodents that eat the seeds and young seedlings. In the Kermadec location, this species is found on Raoul Island. It is more plentiful there because there have been efforts to eliminate the rat population. In my experience, this species does best in less than full sun along the coast. Half day morning sun is about perfect. It has a cold tolerance into the low 20's F. and is being grown in the SF Bay area. Anticipate a height typically of about 25 feet mature. Shown below are our 15 gallon plants but we should have smaller sizes as well. The 8th photo is c/o Wikipedia.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $220

CHAMAEDOREA GLAUCIFOLIA
SUPER SIMILAR TO C. PLUMOSA

TAKES A FAIR AMOUNT OF SUN – SINGLE STEM, THIN TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED MULTIPLES

From time to time I discuss this interesting single trunk Chamaedorea. It is very similar to Chamaedorea plumosa - except: The plumosa has a more plumose leaf and takes a little more sun. But, the glaucifolia has the silver powder on the leaf stems and crown shaft as shown here. Along the coast, it will tolerate full sun or part sun. This is quite attractive and typically very prominent. Otherwise, you would mistake the two. Leaves are quite “fluffy” and leaflets are narrow, green in color. They are fast growing and get to a mature height of about 14 feet. They look their best when planted in colonies of three to five plants. The 15 gallon size which we’re putting on sale are very nicely sized and overhead. This size is too large for mail order. But, we have smaller easy-to-ship plants as well. It is a durable species and seem exempt from fungal problems that can plague C. plumosa. Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON SIZED MULTIPLES $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $215

CHAMAEDOREA SEIFRITZII
THE MOST CLASSIC OF THE BAMBOO PALMS

MATURE, FLOWERING SIZE 15G
FILTERED LIKE, SHORTER PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIFTEEN YEAR OLD 15 GALLON PLANTS

This New World suckering shade palm has pinnate leaves and never gets much above 8 to 9 feet. This is the reason it's so popular. It is sought out as one of the most popular interior palms. This has been the case for about 100 years. A good thing is that it does fit inside the home of the average house without hitting the ceiling. Outdoors, it wants filtered light and is cold hard into the mid, perhaps lower 20's F. The 15g on sale here are about ten or more years old and locally grown. They shouldn't get any taller and have about as many canes as a 15g pot will support. And, they are much more sturdy and hardy than imported plants. They've seen all of our cold weather.

REGULAR PRICE THESE OLD AND MATURE 15G $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $325

Just mention this Special at the time of purchase for your discount. Although a tall box is needed, these can be shipped anywhere within the U.S.

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS
MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - THIN TRUNKS

SUPER COLD HARDY AND TOLERATES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE MULTIPLES

Speaking of cold hardy, filtered light or full sun palms, let me mention Chamaedorea radicalis. Today I’m talking about the tunking form of this species. Decades ago we didn't even know this species existed. All Chamaedorea radicalis were dwarfs - rarely over five feet tall. The trunking form rapidly puts on trunk. Mature, plants can get up to fifteen feet tall. Leaflets are wider than the dwarf form and there's a bit of silver color to the stems and trunk. Trunks mature are narrow, under an inch thick. They can bend slightly as they get height. See photos below of a mature specimen at the nursery. It is also very quick growing. These 15g on Special should have a ten foot height in under five years. Both forms tolerate full sun along the coast but can also be grown in strong filtered light. Cold hardiness of 18 degrees F. Some in the SF Bay Area are successfully growing this species. Also, enthusiasts in Houston, TX have as well. We have a limited number of 15g plants on special. This larger 15g size can be mail ordered but do consider smaller sizes to save money if you are out of our area. Interestingly enough, the 15 gallon shown below has a taller single trunking form in the pot with a true dwarf below. Notice how the smaller plant looks totally different. Also, I am showing below a fruiting size mature 25 gallon plant at the nursery.

REGULAR PRICE 15G MULTIPLES $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G MULTIPLES $215

BTW, that huge 25 gallon plant, the mature one with seeds, is also for sale.

TRITHRINAX ACANTHICOMA
AKA TRITHRINAX BRASILIENSIS

SPINY TRUNK - MEDIUM SIZE FAN PALM
EASILY TOLERATES INTO THE TEENS F.
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

This single trunk tropical fan palm is noted mostly for its spiny trunk. The spines are long, randomly directed and almost needle sized. It is native to South America and gets to a height of about twenty feet. It likes full sun and is cold hardy into the mid-teens F. Unlike Trithrinax campestris, the leaflet tips on this species are not sharp nor pointed. It is a medium rate grower. Also, when fruiting the fruit is a golden yellow color.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEM DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $215

Remember: The 15 gallon on sale are shown in the first five pictures below. The sixth photo shows a close up of the trunk of an older garden plant.

SYAGRUS OLERACEA
THIN TRUNK & TALL SOLITARY PALM

PLUMOSE LEAVES - NOT AS TALL AS QUEEN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of single trunk pinnate palm is native to Brazil and can get to heights of fifty to sixty feet. It can be grown in Southern California and is a smaller version of the Queen Palm. Leaves are green and plumose. It wants full sun and is cold hardy into the mid to upper 20's F. One special are nice 5 gallon plants, still with their juvenile foliage. They are presently larger than shown here.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $115

Remember: mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase. Last photo by John Demott, FL - via the I.P.S.

LYTOCARYUM HOENII
NEAR EXTINCT SEMI-DWARF PALM FROM BRAZIL

DWARF PALM – SOFT GREEN LEAVES
NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON

This semi-dwarf pinnate palm gets to a height of ten to twelve feet domestically and is single trunk and has no crown shaft. It is native to montane forests in Brazil and is near extinct in the wild. It is rarely seen offered for sale. The more frequently seen species of this genus is Lytocaryum weddellianum, also from Brazil rainforests. The latter is a much smaller plant than L. hoenii and rarely gets to ten feet. Hoenii has a more robust appearance, a bit thicker trunk and wider leaflets. Here I'm showing 5g plants of Lytocaryum hoenii that we’re putting on special. We rarely, if ever, can offer this species. Lytocaryum is a filtered light genus with a cold tolerance in the mid-twenties F. I've found from experience that Lytocaryum seem to thrive on neglect. Too much water, fertilizer or attention seems to not be right for them. Just plant one, don't pay attention to it other than average watering, and they seem to do fine. By the way, shortly we should have 5 gallon sized Lytocaryum weddellianum available.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $150
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $125

The 7th photo - garden photo is c/o Palmpedia

VEITCHIA WININ
NATIVE ONLY TO VANUATU

SINGLE TRUNK, CROWN SHAFTED
TALL PALM WHEN MATURE
SUPER RARE, HARD TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE

This single trunk pinnate palm is native to the Vanuatu Islands. It can attain a mature height of over fifty feet. Leaves are green, about eight feet long with somewhat drooping leaflets. The trunk is gray in color and medium thickness. This species makes bright red seeds. It can tolerate full coastal sun and has been grown well by some in Southern California. But, because of it's tropical nature, should only be tried by those in good climates. We're offering our 5 gallon size on sale. They've done well with our temperatures down to about 32 degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $115

Remember to mention this Special when purchasing so you get this discounted price. Mail order this size quite easy.

BRAHEA ELEGANS
THE FRANCESHCI PALM

MEDIUM SIZE FAN PALM
FROM SONORA, MEXICO
LOVES HEAT AND SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Native to Mexico, this medium sized fan palm gets to a height typically of twenty to twenty-five feet, has a rather narrow trunk for a Brahea and a smaller crown of green fan shaped leaves. It is a medium rate growing palm that tolerates full sun. Exact cold tolerance is not known but felt to be into the low 20's F. It could be lower but is not documented. The five gallon plants on sale are at least 5 years old and very nice. These are easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $115

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM

VERY BEAUTIFUL - GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON SIZE

The native home of Archontophoenix purpurea is the Mt. Lewis mountain range in Queensland, Australia. This species is known for the purple color to the crown shaft. It is found at an elevation up to 4000 feet. Mature height is quoted to be over fifty feet, but in habitat and culture I didn't see one this tall. Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F. It takes full coastal sun. The degree of purple in the crown shaft is variable but never "lollipop" purple. The underside of the leaves is silver and there is ramenta hairs only on this side. On younger plants the leaf bases and leaf stem tend to have a yellow color.

I'm showing our 1g size (first 5 photos below) which we're putting on a Ten Day Special. These are very large plants for their pots and either single or multiple (more than one per pot). Also available are large 5 and 15g sizes. Further below you'll see our 5 gallon size.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $55

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase to get this discount.

CARYOTA URENS
THE GIANT MOUNTAIN FISHTAIL

FAST GROWING - SUPER TALL - DIFFICULT TO FIND
REASONABLY COLD HARDY TALL BIPINNAT PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

Yes, this species of Fishtail is super fast growing. And, it's not unusual for one to get above 70 feet tall. Some people love the grandeur of these palms. And, for some, they want it "right now". Well, this is an opportunity to satisfy that need. Planted out, once established, this is a super fast growing palm. It would not be unusual to go from a seedling to a height of 30 feet in six or seven years. This species is native to northern Thailand and surrounding countries. The trunk is about 16 inches or so thick and light tan in color. The leaves are compound – bipinnate. This means the main stem branches off into secondary leaf stems. Leaflets are jagged at their ends. Also, this is a monoecious palm that dies about three years after flowering It wants full coastal sun. It is taller than Caryota gigas and has shorter leaves and a thinner trunk. We’re putting nice band sized seedlings on sale. Easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE BAND SEEDLINGS $52.50

Easy to mail order. Limited numbers available.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX "TERACARPA"
THE BEST KING PALM EVER!

BIGGER, FASTER GROWING, NO BROWNING OF LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE BAND SIZE PLANTS

Archontophoenix teracarpa is a fictitious name given to an unknown species/type of King Palm that I have in my garden and no one can identify. I've been collecting seeds from it for quite a few years and offering it for sale. Everyone who gets one agrees - "It's the best King Palm ever!" It got the name from the Latin "Large body", which it has. After trying to identify the species over many years and with no success, we coined the name "Archontophoenix teracarpa" (large body). The closest species to it would be A. maxima but it's not the same. So, what are the differences that makes teracarpa more ideal?

It is faster growing
It gets taller than the regular King Palm
It tolerates full sun better
It doesn't brown tip in full sun
It has a blue crown shaft
It has a super thick trunk

The band size plants are about 3-4 years old and huge – about 2 feet tall and need to be planted or repotted into 5g pots.

REGULAR PRICE THESE HUGE BANDS $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE HUGE BANDS $50

Remember: mention this Special to get your discount when you purchase!

CHAMAEDOREA FRONDOSA
SUPER RARE UNDERSTORY DWARF PALM

SINGLE STEM - BIFID COMPLETE LEAVES
A TRULY UNUSUAL COLLECTOR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

This is a rare and almost never available single trunk dwarf palm with a mature height of two feet. Its trunk is very narrow and leaves are plicated (ridged) as shown below. It is an understory palm and wants filtered light. It is native to mountain cloud forests in Honduras. It has a cold tolerance in the mid to upper twenties F. and has been successfully grown by enthusiasts in So California. We may be one of the only nurseries around offering this species. You want to give it ample water and to not let it go dry. It is a dioecious species so you'll need several to get both sexes if you want to produce seeds. We're offering band sized seedlings on sale and have very limited numbers. These can be mail ordered. Our band sized seedlings are shown in the first five photos below followed an older one gallon plant. Because of it's rarity, I don't have any garden photos that are better than our 5 gallon photos. Mail order should be easy. The last photo is c/o Palmpedia.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE SUPER RARE BAND SEEDLINGS $65

LICUALA SPINOSA
EXOTIC AND MEDIUM HEIGHT TROPICAL FAN PALM

THIN TRUNKS, DIVIDED LEAVES, JAGGED LEAFLET TIPS
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

This exotic suckering and armed fan palm is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and surrounding Asian areas. Mature height of plants typically ten to twelve feet although, in the tropics, I've seen taller specimens. Stems are narrow and thatched with brown fibers. Leaf stems are armed with small pointed spines. Leaves are green and markedly divided into long leaflets that have a jagged end. Leaves are rounded, flat and quite attractive. It is cold hardy down to a freeze or a bit lower. Unlike other types of Licuala, this species can tolerate partial or sometimes full coastal sun. We're putting nice band sized seedlings on sale with about four leaves. These would be easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $62.50

SUPER UNUSUAL ENCEPHALARTOS HYBRID
F2 HYBRID WITH E. WOODII POLLEN

ENCEPHALARTOS (E. NATALENSIS X E. WOODII) X (ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUS X E. WOODII)
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

This should prove to be one of the most interesting hybrid Encephalartos available on the market. It is an F2 hybrid. These were done from domestic plants in Southern California. The hybridizer took pollen from the E. horridus x woodii to pollinate a receptive female of E. natalensis x woodii. As most know, E. woodii is extinct in the wild and only male plants are known to exist. E. horridus x woodii (Encephalartos "horwood") is one of the most sought after hybrids around. I've shown multiple photos of the plants on Special as well as close up photos of the leaves of both parents. Caudex size is about 1.5 inches.

REGULAR PRICE THIS HYBRID CIRTUS POT $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POTS THIS HYBRID $155

I have limited numbers available. Easy to mail order.



ENCEPHALARTOS EUGENE-MARAISII
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FROM THE TRANSVAAL AREA

VERY SOUGHT AFTER BY ENTHUSIASTS
MEDIUM SIZED MATURE - UPRIGHT LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE PLANT – 2 INCH CAUDEX

This species is endemic to the Waterberg range in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Their habitat is dry and arid. They grow on steep rocky slops, grasslands and savanna.  It is a small to medium sized species. Leaf length generally does not exceed a meter and stems can get about four meters high. Of the Transvaal (previous province within South Africa north of the Vaal River) species, this is the most common. That being said, this species is still exceptionally rare and almost extinct in the wild.

The leaves on this species can vary from a blue/green color, to a powdery silver and in some cases be an aquamarine. Leaflets twist almost perpendicular to the petiole, giving them a 'stacking' appearance (like blinds). In coastal and inland areas, this species prefers to be in the full sun, but can tolerate partial sun. Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F. The plants on sale are 5 to 6 years old, in citrus pot containers with caudexes of about 2 inches. Normally this species sells for $350 per inch of caudex. The price we’re offering below is an excellent price for these super rare plants. They can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT WITH 2 INCH CAUDEX $700
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE CITRUS POTS WITH 2 INCH CAUDEX $550

Remember to mention this Blog Special for this discount at the time of purchase.

ENCEPHALARTOS TRISPINOSUS
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

SOUGHT AFTER - SPINY LEAFLETS
LOVES SUN AND PRETTY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL – 24 INCH BOXED SPECIMEN WITH TWO PUPS

Encephalartos trispinosus is a very desirable blue South African cycad. Most people find it's very similar to E. horridus.  It is a small to medium sized mature blue cycad with leaflets that have prominent lobes. The color, if grown in full hot sun, is a prominent blue to silver leaf color. But, be aware that this species is quite variable and has many forms. There is even a spineless leaflet form. It likes full sun and is cold hardy to about 22 degrees F. Mature size is small to medium with a thirty year old plant only being six or seven feet tall with an 18 inch trunk. The plant on Special today is a sun-ready, outdoor grown coning sized plant that has a caudex of 8 inches with two pups – one 6 inches, the other 4 inches. It’s leaflets are prominently spined and the color is blue. This plant is way too large and heavy for standard mail order.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 24 INCH SPECIMEN WITH TWO PUPS $1800
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL SPECIMEN $1500

ENCEPHALARTOS TRISPINOSUS
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

SOUGHT AFTER - SPINY LEAFLETS
LOVES SUN AND PRETTY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON PLANT

FOR DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES, SEE ABOVE

Shown here is as 15 gallon, sun grown cycad with a caudex that is nearly four inches with two small pups.

REGULAR PRICE THIS 15 GALLON PLANT WITH A 4 INCH CAUDEX $600
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL 15 GALLON PLANT `SPECIMEN $500

EDIBLE BANANA THAT MANY OF YOU CAN GROW!
MUSA GRAN NAIN

VARIETY THAT CHIQUITA UTILIZES FOR MARKET FRUIT
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 15 GALLON PLANTS

This banana cultivar is popular worldwide and is the variety of choice for Chiquita Banana Company. It is a cultivar of Musa acuminata. It produces a huge amount of bananas if well grown. It is common for one plant to produce over 40 pounds of fruit. The fruit is medium sized, firm and sweet. Plants get to about 9 feet height, sucker when a fruit stem has finished and require half sun or full sun if possible. They benefit from large amounts of compost or soil amendments and do require fertilization to make good fruit. Leaves are typically solid green. They are a quick growing species. They do best in frost free areas but can recover from a freeze. Of note, remove the fruit when it's still a bit green and wait for it to ripen off the tree. We are offering 15g plants on Special. They are nicely sized and most are overhead in their pots. The photo of the fruit is by A-S.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON THIS SIZE $200
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 15 GALLON $175

ARAUCARIA HETEROPHYLLA
THE NORFOLK ISLAND PINE OR STAR PINE

LARGE AND TALL STURDY GREEN LEAFED TREE
TOLERATES OUR LOCAL WINTER COLD - WANTS SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

There are about twenty different species of Araucaria worldwide. This includes multiple species from New Caledonia. The Norfolk Island Pine is one of these species. It is native, of course, to the Norfolk Island. All Araucaria tend to make good sized trees. The Norfolk Pine in the wild can get to heights well over one hundred feet with a forty or more foot spread of the crown. It developes a thick trunk and has prickly green leaflets. Because of the latter, you cannot walk below it bare footed. It is a full sun tree in most areas and is only marginally cold hardy - at best into the mid to upper 30's F. Also, it doesn't like extremely hot weather. With this said, there are a fair number of mature trees in the coastal San Diego area. It is difficult to find any Araucaria for sale. We rarely have them available.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON SIZE $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE AS SHOWN $165

ALOCASIA MAYAN MASK
GREEN EXOTIC WITH UPRIGHT LEAVES

MEDIUM HEIGHT MATURE - TAKES COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This hybrid variety of Alocasia is known for its large upright leaves that are green on the upper dorsal side with purple undersides. Both sides show prominent yellow veins. It is easy to grow but does best if you are in a freeze-free area. It likes good draining soil, average water. But, you back off on water during winter's cold. Mature height is six to eight feet. Leaves can easily get three feet long. On the coast it tolerates full sun or part sun. Far inland areas (frost free) would be bright filtered light or a small amount of sun. On sale are our 15 gallon size as shown n the first seven photos. The last photo is c/o the National Gardening Association where this species is being used as a patio plant.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $175

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES "ROSEA"
CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

WHITE PETAL, PURPLE CENTERS
LARGE TALL 15G PLANTS ON SPECIAL

This climbing vine is native to Australia and will trellis up a fence or pole or climb up the trunk of a tree. This variety is hard to find and has large, white, trumpet shaped flowers that have a deep purple-red throat. There are other color varieties including pure white which we also can offer. It grows in the shade or sun but flowers better with sun. It is very cold hardy with reports of it surviving temperatures into the teens F. These 15g plants are huge for their pots and climbing up a pole. Plant heights in the pot is about 8 feet. Remember, this is a vining plant that will climb a fence, free trunk, pole or almost anything. The 7th photo is c/o gopixpic.com website.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 15G $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $155

Just mention this Blog Special to get this discount at the time of purchase.

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES - WHITE
CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

PURE WHITE PETALS
LARGE TALL 15G PLANTS ON SPECIAL

SEE DESCRIPTION ABOVE

This climbing vine is identical to the "rosea" variety above but has pure white flowers. It's easy to grow.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 15G $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $155

Just mention this Blog Special to get this discount at the time of purchase. The last photo is by Jimmy Turner on Twitter.



HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS
GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
ASSORTMENT OF NEW VARIETIES AT NURSERY

AVAILABILITY CHANGES WEEKLY
SPECIAL ON THESE GORGEOUS PLANTS

Cordyline fruiticosa Hawaiian Ti plants are a great way to add color to the garden. They easily acclimate to filtered light growing conditions in our area but can be solely acclimated to coastal sun. Most don't get much over six feet tall. They have thin trunks and can take a freeze with some damage. Severe cold will kill them. Leaf color varies from pastels to reds to green and black. Shown here four different varieties of different Hawaiian Ti plants. All are different and there's one that is predominantly pastel colors. Remember, availability of each type changes ever several days.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 3 GALLON VARIETIES OF HAWAIIAN TI $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 3 GALLON TI'S $49.50

FRIDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2023

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS
A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

I've discussed this great New Caledonian species before because it is such a good species for those of us in Southern California. It comes from high elevation in its native habitat, is a good growing palm and can tolerate full sun easily along the coastal strip. Its cold hardiness is down to about 23 degrees, better than the King Palm or Kentia Palm. It has an average trunk diameter of eight to ten inches and a mature height of usually about thirty feet. It can also be grown in part day sun or strong filtered light.

Shown here is a nice 25g plant along with other sizes. You'll notice that the leaf color in the sun is blue-green in a way. It is certainly not a lime green color. Also, some new leaves may emerge with a hint of red color. Growth rate is good. We have a reasonable assortment of all sizes although our larger plants are almost sold out. This species is highly recommended.

CYRTOSTACHYS RENDA - AKA CYRTOSTAHYS LAAKA

THE LIPSSTICK OR RED SEALING WAX PALM
BEAUTIFUL RED CROWN SHAFT - SUCKERING PINNATE PALM

BUT MOST PEOPLE IN THE U.S. CANNOT GROW IT OUTDOORS!

About once or twice a week, I get a call from someone who wants to grow this exotic species in their yard. For this reason, I'm writing about growing this palm. I've gotten calls from such places as Las Vegas, Dallas and Madison, Wisconsin. Don't laugh; people just love this species. In the continental U.S., there is hardly any location where the Lipstick Palm can survive over the long run outdoors. The problem is the winter's cold. This species rapidly succumbs at temperatures under 47 degrees F. I mean, overnight! Back in my more reckless years, I'd try these again and again. But, one nights failure of the heaters and all of the Red Sealing Wax were gone. Nowadays I don't heat the greenhouses and don't even have a chance with this species.

This species is native to southern Thailand, Malaysia, and some Indonesian islands. It is a clumping palm and can get to sixty feet. It's hallmark is the red crown shaft. Thus the common names. It wants sun in the tropics but can be grown in filtered light. Here in Southern California it wants a greenhouse. Or, if you are super industrious, you can try it inside the house but it'll be a challenge.

In South Florida there are some being grown outdoors, but winter cold fronts put them at risk of death. In HI, they seem to thrive where winter lows are hardly ever below 55 degrees near the water. Remember, below 47 degrees F. and this species is gone. I can get one for a real enthusiast, but they are always quite expensive. One photo below shows interior environmentally controlled culture of this species in Southern CA. The last photo shows a 5 gallon plant that saw temperatures of 46 degrees for one night.

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA
A RARE TYPE OF LADY PALM
MUCH PRETTIER THAN REGULAR RHAPIS EXCELSA

ONE OF THE BEST PALMS FOR INSIDE
GREAT GARDEN PLANT AS WELL
SPECIAL OLD 25 GALLON PLANT

I haven't been able to offer this superior fan palm as they have not been available for over five years. But, we do have one or two very old plants that we were holding in stock and have decided to sell. This is a very rare type of Lady Palm. This species is from China and is often mistaken for Rhapis humilus. But, it is a smaller species, getting to about 8 feet tall whereas humilus gets about twice as tall. It performs well inside the home or office and also is quite easy to grow outside in filtered light. The stems of multifida are much more attractive than the common Lady Palm, Rhapis excelsa. It also carries more leaflets per leaf than the Lady Palm and is overall a more attractive plant. The leaflets are narrow and come to a point like Rhapis humilus. Side by side, the majority of our customers prefer the Rhapis multifida to the Rhapis excelsa.

Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties or lower, F. Outdoors, this species prefers filtered light. One must be careful not to give Rhapis too much fertilizer or leaf burn may occur. We have a near twenty year old 25 gallon that we’re putting on special. It is too big for standard mail order. BTW, if you start looking for a comparable plant, the chances are you won't find one.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 25 GALLON $825
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 25 GALLON $725

The sale plant is shown in the first 6 photos.

VEITCHIA MERRILLII HYBRID
POTENTIAL TO GROW SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE GROWN HERE

VERY EXCITING – NOT PREVIOUSLY AVAILABLE
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 15 GALLON SIZE

There is an interesting story behind the plants I'm showing you here. About four years ago, we got some seeds from a botanical garden that were labeled as Veitchia merrillii (aka Adonidia merrillii). This palm resembles a miniature Royal Palm, so it is a popular choice by enthusiasts who see it in tropical areas. Rarely does it get over twenty feet tall and many people like this smaller size. But, native to the Philippines, you might expect it'd be too tropical and cold sensitive to grow here. Well, that is the case and I don't know of one mature tree in Southern California.

The seeds we got were thought to be pure Veitchia merrillii. The seeds looked to be the right size for merrillii - the anticipated small size as you see with this species. Seeds of other Veitchia species are much larger. Of the fifty or so seeds that germinated, about half died off quickly in our greenhouses the first winter. We figured - that makes sense - cold sensitive. But, to our surprise, the other half grew quite well. As they got bigger, it was apparent that they looked nothing like a true species Veitchia merrillii we have grown in the past. The prominent speckling and dark color to the leaf stems was not expected - merrillii is plain green usually. And, there is a diversity of appearance of the various plants we were now growing.

We figure these are a hybrid of a Veitchia merrillii crossed with something else. Most likely it's with another species of Veitchia that are more cold tolerant. Our suspicion is it as cross with V. arecina. This is to our customer's benefit as this means perhaps they can grow these and end up with a smaller palm that resembles V. merrillii. We have a limited number of these plants left. They’ve gotten bigger and all have survived a freeze at our nursery. So, maybe here’s your chance to grow a “Veitchia merrillii hybrid” . I'm showin photos of both of the probable parents below. Mature height should be about 15 - 18 feet on these hybrids.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON THIS HYBRID $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $225

Remember: Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase. Obviously, I have no mature garden plants to show you as this is such a rare hybrid. Also, don't dally as we'll be out of this hybrid soon!



Veitchia merrillii	Veitchia arecina

BURRETIOKENTIA HAPALA
A GREAT NEW CALEDONIAN PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

SUPER ATTRACTIVE CROWN SHAFTED PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIFTEEN GALLON SIZE

Among palm enthusiasts, almost any species from New Caledonia is sought after. This species falls into that group. It is a crown shafted palm with a rather thin trunk of about eight inches that gets to a height of approximately 25 to 30 feet. It has an intriguing brown color to the stems and crown shaft area. It does not have the stripes you'd see with the Burretiokentia vieilllardii. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F, or perhaps a bit less. So, it's comparable to a King Palm. If you can grow a King, you can grow this species. One of the keys to culture is not letting the ground it's in go dry. This species, like Chambeyronia, responds to water. Shown below is our fifteen gallon size that I'm putting on special. I'd recommend morning sun, a few hours of mid-day sun, or bright filtered light. It's a great species to grow.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $225

Remember: Mention this Special for you discount.

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

TALL, SINGLE TRUNK SPECIES
ELEGANT WITH LONG CROWN SHAFT
SINGLE PLANTS AND MULTIPLES
TEN DAY 15 GALLON SIZE

This super popular palm is native to south Florida and Cuba. It gets a very tall trunk with a height of forty feet or more. The crown shaft is long and a prominent green. The base of the trunk is swollen just above the ground. Often, you'll also see bulging in the mid-trunk. It is a full sun plant and some are growing it in desert areas with success - in full sun. Cold tolerance is like a King Palm, about 25 degrees F. The 15 gallon shown here is a double. In this size we also have single trunk plants in addition to multiples. Many in Southern California are growing this species quite well. The 8th photo below was at the home of the late Luis Hooper in La Brea, CA. There's a shortage of this species on the California market. This species is also very quick growing. With our 15g you will probably have leaves over the house in 3 to 4 years. BTW, the 15 gallon shown is over ten feet tall in its pot.

REGULAR PRICE LARGE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL OUR LARGE 15 GALLON ROYALS $225

Mention this Special for your discount.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM

VERY BEAUTIFUL - GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

The native home of Archontophoenix purpurea is the Mt. Lewis mountain range in Queensland, Australia. This species is known for the purple color to the crown shaft. It is found at an elevation up to 4000 feet. Mature height is quoted to be over fifty feet, but in habitat and culture I didn't see one this tall. For types of King Palms, this species is stated to have the thickest trunk. I don't think I agree with this and feel A. maxima is thicker. Most I've seen have a trunk diameter of twelve inches or somewhat more.

Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F. It takes full coastal sun. The degree of purple in the crown shaft is variable but never "lollipop" purple. The underside of the leaves is silver and there is ramenta hairs only on this side. On younger plants the leaf bases and leaf stem tend to have a yellow color. I'm showing our 15g size which we're putting on a Ten Day Special. This size is shown in the first two rows of photos. You'll note that the crown shaft is beginning to pick up the purple color. We also have other sizes of this species for sale.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $235
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $210

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase to get this discount.

PINANGA JAVANA
SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

GETS TALLER THAN P. CORONATA - BEING GROWN BY COLLECTORS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

It's been a few years since we've offered this rare single trunk Pinanga from the island of Java, Indonesia. A different thing about this species is that it is single trunk. Juvenile plants have solid, simple leaves as shown in the photos. But, over time, they become pinnate leaves as seen on the larger garden specimen. The mature trunk is thin and ringed. Leaves are six feet long or more - green in color. The thing about this species is that no one has it! Shown are the 15g plants we're putting on Special. It wants filtered light and is cold hardy down to about a freeze.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $225

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

BEST GROWING SPECIES OF THE GENUS
RESEMBLES THE KENTIA PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL MULTIPLE 15 GALLON SIZE

When one considers the species Laccospadix australasica, he has to realize that there are different forms depending on native habitats and localities. There are also single trunk and suckering forms. The one for sale here is the single trunk mountain form. I feel it's the best subspecies one can purchase. It doesn't throw the new red leaf although occasionally you see a bit of bronze in the new leaf (as shown below). This variety of the L. australasica is fairly easy to grow in our area. I can’t predict if your plant will sucker or not - but I suspect it'll be single trunk like the seed bearing parent. The seeds for these plants today came from a local flowering tree here in Encinitas. This variety has thinner leaves that are dull green in color, trunks about six inches thick and reaches a height of 20 feet or a bit more. It sort of looks like a Kentia Palm. I'd recommend morning sun, strong filtered light or perhaps several hours of daily sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. As shown below, sometimes we’ll plant more than one to a pot. This is the case with the 15 gallon size on Special.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $225

We have extremely limited numbers but hopefully more will become available over time. Mention this Special for your discount.

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SUCKERING OR SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

EASY TO GROW
RESEMBLES THE KENTIA PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5G

FOR SPECIES DESCRIPTION, SEE ABOVE

REGULAR PRICE 5G $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5G $125

Mention this Special at the time of purchase for this discount.

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

ANOTHER PALM SPECIES FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND
GREAT PALM FOR THE GARDEN OR INSIDE THE HOME
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

There is a second endemic species of Howea on Lord Howe Island. This is Howea belmoreana.  Common names used to describe this species include the Sentry Palm, the Belmore Palm, the "Kentia Palm", and even the Umbrella Palm. However, the name "Kentia Palm" is usually used to refer to the H. forsteriana.  Howea belmoreana comes from a higher elevation in its natural habitat compared to the H. forsteriana. And, given this fact, one might expect that this species is a little more cold tolerant. Most growers have found this to be true, tolerating temperatures to about 25 degrees F.

The main difference between this palm and the standard Kentia is that the crown of leaves are quite curved pointing downwards toward the grown. This gives the crown an overall umbrella appearance. Like the H. forsteriana, the Belmore Palm doesn't like full sun if away from the Coast and is rather slow growing. Most find it to be slower than the regular Kentia Palm. Culture is similar and there is little data on the transplant of this species, but I suspect it will perform about the same as the standard Kentia. This 5 gallon size can be mail ordered. This species can be grown as a house plant.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $115

HOWEA FORSTERIANA
THE KENTIA PALM

GREAT PATIO OR INTERIOR PALM - OR IN THE GARDEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SINGLES

Howea forsteriana, the popular Kentia Palm, is native to Lord Howe Island. There it lives at lower elevations. At higher elevations up the mountains one sees Howea belmoreana and Hedyscepe.  The Kentia does great here in So California.   It is a single trunk species that is often grown as a "multiple" with several plants in the same pot. It does NOT sucker. Along the coast it takes full sun or part day sun. Far inland, filtered light is needed.   Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. Mature height in sun is usually about thirty feet in 30 years. We’re putting very nice 5 gallon plants on special.  These plants are singles - not multiples. If you prefer a multiple, we have some available but the price is $10 more on sale. These can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON SINGLES $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE SINGLES $115

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase for this discounted price.

DYPSIS BARONII
IDEAL RARE SUCKERING MADAGASCAR PALM

MEDIUM SIZED MATURE – TOLERATES SOME COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 3 OR 5 GALLON PLANTS

Over the years and having grown between fifty and one hundred different species of Dypsis, I can say that Dypsis baronii is one of the best species of Dypsis for Southern California. It is a reliably performing plant and quite beautiful. Palm enthusiasts get real excited about the variety of color seen in the stem, crown shaft and new petioles. The color in these plant parts varies from red to yellow to powder white. Eventually, most plants give a silver green trunk with a light colored crown shaft as shown here. Trunks are several inches thick, leaves are about five to six feet long and overall heights peak out under twenty feet. Right on the coast this species can be grown in full sun although strong filtered light or part day sun is ok too. Cold tolerance is into the mid and perhaps low 20's F. Growth rate is slow to medium.

Availability on this species is variable. Right now we have 3 5 gallon sizes available. They are already suckering and the size as shown.  These can be mail ordered if needed.  Limited supply. The garden photos were taken in the San Diego area.

REGULAR PRICE 3 OR 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL 3 OR 5 GALLON $115

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA
ONE OF THE BEST OF ALL THE BAMBOO PALMS

EASY TO GROW - A GREAT INTERIOR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON NICELY SIZED 5 GALLON PLANTS

This suckering palm species is native to Mexico and Central America. It is one of about four types of "Bamboo Palms" and is probably either the best or in a stiff competition with Chamaedorea hooperiana.  This species gets to a mature height of twelve to sixteen feet, has strong 1 inch to 1.5 inch trunks which are green in color with prominent rings, and about three to four foot long leaves. It is an upright grower and does clump. It doesn't run. It takes filtered light or morning sun along the coast. I've even heard of some growing it in full sun although I'd not recommend it. It is a good growing species.  Cold hardiness is into the mid to lower 20's F.

Below I'm showing in the first six photos the 5g size followed by garden photos of mature trees. The 5 gallon on sale are 4 to 5 feet tall in their pots. This size is possible for mail order. BTW, this species is fairly difficult to find.  We also have available smaller and larger plants. This species is an easy to grow and great palm.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL SALE PRICE 5 GALLON $125

BRAHEA ARMATA
THE MEXICAN BLUE FAN PALM
BLUE HESPER PALM

VERY BLUE COLORED LEAVES – VERY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON STARTER PLANTS

This species of blue fan palm is not only known for its intense blue color but also for the fact that it is extremely cold hardy. It goes down to about 16 degrees. It is native to Mexico, specifically to Baja Mexico. It prefers dry heat and is a challenge to grow in humid areas. Mature plants take 30 years or more to reach a height of 20 to 25 feet. The trunks are stout but clean. This species is also very drought tolerant. The plants we’re putting on special should turn blue with age and full sun. This size on sale is shown in the first six photos, are about 2 perhaps 3 years old with three or four strap leaves. Within a few more leaves they'll become a classic palmate leaf. These would be easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $50

Just mention this Blog Special to get this nice discount. On the mature trees below, note the prominent blue color of the leaves. This is the hallmark of this species.

WODYETIA BIFURCATA
THE FOXTAIL PALM

THIN TRUNK, FLUFFY GREEN LEAVES
MEDIUM SIZED MATURE – FULL COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

The Foxtail Palm, Wodyetia bifuracata, is native to Queensland, Australia and is a single trunk palm. It gets to about twenty-five feet height, has fluffy green plumose leaves, is crown shafted as shown below and is single trunk. It has a thin trunk, usually mature about six to eight inches. It is a great species for more inland areas that see a fair amount of heat. It does love heat and sun. Although some like to plant this species in colonies of two or three plants, it looks great as a stand-alone single palm. Because it wants sun, it should not be put in a shady area. Cold hardiness is about 23 to 25 degrees F. The one gallons on sale are easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $55

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

EVERYONE LOVES THIS PALM
ONE OF THE BEST MADAGASCAR PALMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY LARGE BAND SIZE

The Teddy Bear Palm has become super popular because it grows well in Southern California, has a rusty colored, fuzzy crown shaft, has a silver, ringed trunk and doesn't get too tall. For most enthusiasts, it's among the "top ten" Madagascar palms. Mature height is about 25 feet. Right on the coast it does well with full sun. Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F. Growth rate is medium. One can grow it in part day sun as well. The average enthusiast, once he sees a mature plant, just "has to have one".   Expect a mature height in California of about 25 feet or a bit more. Trunk diameter is usually about eight inches. The crown shaft is the most prominent trait - fuzzy, rusty red and quite touchable. The latter trait is why it's called the "Teddy Bear Palm". We’re putting three year old band plants which are very large for their containers on Sale. These are a piece of cake to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE NICE BAND PLANTS $55

Mention this Special for your discount.

DYPSIS SPECIES "LAFAMAZANGA"
LITTLE KNOWN ABOUT IT

SUCKERING THIN TRUNKED SPECIES
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SEEDLINGS
Very little is known about this palm. It's even unclear as to whether it's a true species or some kind of Dypsis hybrid. It is a thin trunked, suckering species that enthusiasts are growing and discussing. Many are having success with it. The trunks are about 2 inches thick, the crown shafts have dark speckles and a silver color and the trunks are prominently ringed. Consensus is to grow it in filtered light and let it work its way into the sun. This is the first time we've offered them for sale. These bands have 2 to 3 leaves. They are extremely rare. Very limited numbers.

REGULAR PRICE BAND $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $55

The garden photo is c/o PalmTalk by an unknown author.



LIVISTONA DECIPIENS - AKA LIVISTONA DECORA
THIN TRUNK AUSTRALIAN FAN PALM

COLD HARDY, FAST GROWING, DROOPING LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL OVERSIZED BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

Palm enthusiasts love this rapid growing palm known as the Ribbon Palm from Australia. It has this common name because the leaflets are dependent like “hanging ribbons”. For it's height of thirty to forty feet, it has a very thin trunk and leaflets are green in color and narrow for the genus. Leaf stems, like on most Livistona, are armed. It is a very attractive fan palm that many can grow easily. Cold hardiness is about 18 degrees F. It likes full sun. We're putting three to four year old seedlings on sale below. Most have about five to six leaves are are in need or repotting - getting too big for their pots.

REGULAR PRICE GOOD SIZED BAND $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $52.50

DIOON SPINULOSUM
A CUSTOMER FAVORITE CYCAD

FILTERED LIGHT IN GARDEN OR INSIDE THE HOME
GREEN LEAVES, ELEGANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE ONE GALLON PLANTS - EASY TO SHIP

This species of a green cycad can be grown in the garden or as an interior palm. Although you can't tell from the photos here, this cycad species can get quite tall. I've seen photos from habitat with what appears to be over 20 feet of trunk.  But, such heights would require several centuries to occur. Dioon spinulosum is native to tropical areas in Mexico where it grows in limestone forests. Trunks don't get overly thick, typically 12 to 14 inches thick - but domestically often thinner. Leaves are green and mildly armed. Leaf length is about six feet. My preference is to grow this species in filtered light. Cold tolerance is into the mid twenties F. At the nursery we usually have a good selection of this species from small to large. We’re putting a nice and huge, old one gallon on sale. Average caudex size on these one gallon is about 4 inches. They are shown in the first two rows of photos with larger garden plants in the third row. Easy to ship.

REGULAR PRICE THESE OVERSIZED ONE GALLON PLANTS $180
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE ONE GALLON $145
This size can be easily shipped via UPS mail order.

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
RARE BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FOR FULL COASTAL SUN

A FAVORITE AMONG CYCAD ENTHUSIASTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE WITH 2-3 INCH CADUEX

This is a popular blue cycad from the Eastern Cape area of South Africa. I say “popular” because some people don't like spines and prickles. The leaflets of this species are narrow with only a point at the end. They are nothing as gnarly as E. horridus. The leaves and crown are very neat and uniform. The nearest species to this one is Encephalartos princeps. Trunks of E. lehmannii can get to five feet, but one with two to three feet of trunk is very old. Leaves average about four feet long and are strongly curled. Sometimes they'll almost do a 180 or more degree re-curve. Leaf color is intensely blue like E. horridus. But, you'll only see this color with full, hot sun. In shade or inside a greenhouse they are often green because they are not getting full sun and have lots of humidity. Cold hardiness is about 21 to 22 degrees F. In the desert only give it a few hours sun.

Shown below and on sale are our citrus pot sized plants with caudexes of 2 to 3 inches. These are easy to mail order. Limited numbers available.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT SIZE WITH CAUDEX 2 TO 3 INCHES $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE WITH CAUDEX 2 TO 3 INCHES $275

ENCEPHALARTOS LONGIFOLIUS – BLUE FORM
MEDIUM TO LARGE RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

BLUE STACKED LEAFLETS - MINIMAL IF ANY SPINES
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE WITH CAUDEX 2-3 INCHES

This rare South African cycad is also from the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. It is a good sized cycad with leaf color variable from dark green to brilliant blue. The plants on Special should be a nice blue form. Trunks of this species can reach a height of twelve feet or more. Leaf lengths are four to six feet with stacking leaflets and minimal if any spines when mature. Leaves are often curled downward toward their ends. It loves full sun along the coast but in desert areas would want a few hours of sun. Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F. The citrus pot size on sale came from blue parents and will become more blue out of the greenhouse and in full sun. This size is easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE CITRUS POT 2 TO 3 INCH CAUDEX $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE 2 TO 3 INCH CAUDEX $275

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get this price!

ENCEPHALARTOS TRISPINOSUS
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

SOUGHT AFTER - SPINY LEAFLETS
LOVES SUN AND PRETTY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE WITH CAUDEX 2-3 INCHES

Shown below is our band size plants of the desirable blue South African cycad, Encephalartos trispinosus. Most people find it's very similar to E. horridus. It is a small to medium sized mature blue cycad with leaflets that have prominent lobes. But, be aware that this species is quite variable and has many forms. There is even a spineless leaflet form. It is anticipated that these plants, like their parents, with have prominently prickly and lobed leaflets. These will want full sun along the coast and are cold hardy to about 22 degrees F. These 5 gallon plants can be shipped. Caudex size on these is about 2-3 inches. After acclimation, one can plant them directly into the ground in spring to summer, or wait another year when they are larger. This size is easy to mail order.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON WITH ABOUT 2 - 3 INCH CAUDEX $375
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 5G PLANTS WITH 2-3 INCH CAUDEXES $275

FICUS UMBELLATA
INTERIOR / EXTERIOR PLANT WITH LARGE ROUND LEAVES

DWARF MATURE SIZE - STRIKING APPEARANCE
NEWLY AVAILABLE TREE FOR ENTHUSIASTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

Until about 12 months ago, I had never heard of this species. There's essentially no scientific articles on it on the Internet. I've read that it is native to South Africa. It's mentioned as a smaller replacement for the popular Fiddle Leaf Fig. It differs from the latter in that it's leaves are very soft and pliable. It is also much smaller tree mature. The Fiddle Leaf Fig in my yard is over 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide with a thick trunk. This new species is supposed to be a real dwarf, not getting over 4 to 6 feet tall.   Leaves are a foot wide, prominently veined and round. Inside, it's said to want very bright light - next to a bright window. Cold hardiness is unknown. We'll know more by next spring after we winter them over at our nursery. I have no data growing it outdoors. We're offering some nicely sized 15 gallon that are 7 to 8 feet tall in their pots. I only have a couple. They are apparently near mature height. BTW, this is only the second time we've offered this tree for sale. We know it does well as an interior plant but data on growing outside is limited. We have only one or two 15g and a few 5g which, obviously, are les expensive. Grab one as I doubt we'll have them againand I only have one or two left.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $425
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $350

Sorry, but no photos of mature trees are available.

CAESLPIIVIA PULCHERRIMA
PRIDE OF BARBADOS OR PEACOCK FLOWER

MEDIUM HEIGHT SEMI-DWARF COLOR
LOTS OF ORANGE & YELLOW BLOSSOMS - FIRST TIME OFFERED
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This is the first time we've offered this colorful companion plant that is native to the West Indies and sub-tropical Americas. Known as the Peackock Flower, it is the national flower of the Island of Barbados. It has small oblong leaflets that droop when touched. Flowers protrude a foot or two above the foliage and are prominently colored with orange, yellows and sometimes a red color. Mature height can be up to six to eight feet but it is easy to prune them back to keep them smaller or form a hedge. Of note, stems have tiny spines which don't seem to break off. It may defoliate in winter if you're in a colder area but plants usually come back in mid-spring. This species likes full sun . This is the first time we offered this species.   They came from a private gardener. The garden photo is c/o Pinterest, unknown author.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $75
RICTEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $65

PHILODENDRON RED CONGO
AKA "CONGO ROJO"

ATTRACTIVE COMPANION PLANT FOR FILTERED LIGHT
DARK LEAVES, RED STEMS / RED BACKS OF LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 3 GALLON SIZE

This popular hybrid Philodendron never gets very large. It doesn't climb much. It's more of a rosette form of companion plant. It might crawl along the ground a little. People prefer this hybrid because, in shade, it has dark green leaves with a red tint to the back of the leaves and prominent red stems. It is a filtered light companion plant. It is not for full sun. Cold hardiness is down to about a freeze or a bit colder. We are offering very nicely sized (large & older) 3 gallon on Special. But, there are limited numbers. These can be used as a houseplant and can be mail ordered but take a big box for shipping.

REGULAR PRICE 3 GALLON $115
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 3 GALLON $85

Just mention this Blog Only Special for your discount at the time of purchase.

DICHORISANDRA THYRIFLORA
THE BLUE GINGER - HARD TO FIND

FIVE TO SIX FEET TALL – BLUE BLOSSOMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 GALLON SIZE

This is actually not a true Ginger at all. It is native to all areas of the new world including the U.S. It produces actual blue flowers. We have a limited number of two gallon plants that we’re putting on special. This is a starter size. This species wants filtered light in a warmer coastal area. In fact, some along the coast succeed with several hours of morning sun. They are late blooming compared to almost all other “Gingers”. They tend to blossom in fall. In somewhat colder regions, they may need protection from a freeze. They do sucker and canes are thin. Expect mature height at about five feet. This plant is not for full, hot sun. They need average water – backing off when it’s cold. These are rare to see for sale and we're offering fairly tall divisions of 7 gallon plants that will maybe blossom this fall, next year for sure.

REGULAR PRICE 7 GALLON $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL SEVEN GALLON AS SHOWN $120

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when purchasing.

WEDNESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER, 2023

FAN PALMS
THEY ALL JUST LOOK LIKE MEXICAN FAN PALMS

CORRECT?
I DON'T THINK SO.

All photos here are of fan palms. They were taken in the wild, in botanical gardens or at the nursery. But, all are of fan palms of one species or another. I've not labeled them because I'm presenting them as a group. From a structure point of view, a fan palm is a palm where all the segments (or leaflets) radiate from one central area. These can form a whole circle of leaflets, a half circle, or less. Compare this to a pinnate palm where leaflets come off a central leaf stalk. I.e., leaflets protrude laterally from a central stem, typically to either side.

Over the years I have heard people say hundreds of time things like "I don't like fan palms; they all look like Mexican Fans". Or, "Fan palms look like "desert palms". Or, "Fan palms are so boring; I like normal palms". If you were like me and had studied palms for almost forty years, what would you say to such comments? I usually just say something like "I understand" and show them typical pinnate palms. But, I am aware that nothing could be further from the truth.

There are such exotic fan palms of all types, shapes, sizes, color and textures. I've tried to demonstrate their varied appearance here. Fan palms comes from all corners of the world. Some are large trees, others tiny. Some species are for shade only. Some have silver undersides. And, others are almost white in color.

And, fan palms add a different look and dimension to the garden. A garden composed of only pinnate palms like King Palms is quite boring. One has to mix fans into a garden to add diversity and interest. I hope you can see with these photos how you could do this.
















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ROYSTONEA OLERACEA
THE SOUTH AMERICAN ROYAL PALM

TALL PINNATE PALM WITH LUSH GREEN FOLIAGE
LONG PROMINENT CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON SIZE

This species of Royal Palm is native to the lower Caribbean Islands and northern South America. References say it can reach heights of sixty feet but I've personally seen a grove of 100 year old trees in New Caledonia that surpass 100 feet. They are fast growing, have green leaves, a prominent crown shaft and hold their leaves typically in the upper half of the leaf-crown sphere. In other ways, this species is quite similar to the classic Cuban Royal Palm. They want sun and are cold hardy to about 25 degrees F. The size shown here on Special is in a 25 gallon pot and at least ten feet tall in its pot.

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON $650
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25 GALLON $595

CHAMAEDOREA WOODSONIANA
TALL, THICK TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL GREEN PINNATE PALM

DOES BEST IN SHADE – STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This is a very large, single trunk species that is native to a long range, spanning from Mexico into the northern parts of South America. It is very sought after by enthusiasts and is known as one of the tallest of all Chamaedoreas - reaching heights of possibly over forty feet. The trunk has a prominent crownshaft and is four inches thick or more. It's leaves are four to five feet long with a prominent petiole. Leaf color is a deep green and, in cross section, the leaves are slightly keeled. In Southern California, this species prefers shade or a bit of sun. It has been said that this species cannot take a freeze. More recent reports suggest this species can tolerate temperatures into the upper 20's F. It is known to be growing in the San Francisco Bay area. It is a quick grower and sometimes the base of the trunk is swollen. Shown is our 15g size on sale. We have limited numbers available. Note: 5 gallon also on Sale - see post below.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $255
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $225

Note: We only have a few available and they’ll be gone soon.

BRAHEA NITIDA
NEAR COMPLETELY CIRCULAR FLAT GREEN LEAF
NATIVE TO MEXICO

CAN TOLERATE LESS THAN FULL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANTS

This interesting fan palm is native to Mexico, where it lives in the western portion of the country in mountainous areas. Its distribution extends down into Guatemala. It attains a height of thirty feet with a stout trunk of one foot diameter. The most attractive thing about this palm are its circular leaves, with only partial division of the segments. This is particularly apparent when it is grown in filtered light. In sun, the leaves are less flat and more divided. When grown in shade, sometimes this species reminds me of a "Licuala-looking" palm in its leaf appearance.

Cold hardiness is at least into the mid-twenties F. It may in fact be more cold hardy. The leaves are a shiny green with a white discoloration on the underside of the leaves. The petioles are essentially un-armed. From time to time we have this species available. Shown here are nice 15g which I'm putting on sale. At the nursery, this plant was in part sun only. Note the 360 degrees presence of the leaflets and the dark green color when grown in filtered light. There is no armor on the leaf stems. Also notice that there is not as lot of division of the leaflets giving an almost solid fan leaf appearance. The plant in the garden below shows more circular, flat near entire leaves. Compare this to the habitat photo, which was taken by a friend of mine, Justen Dobbs, in habitat and in full sun. The leaves in full sun are more divided and not as tropical appearing.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $245
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $215

GAUSSIA MAYA
A VERY DIFFERENT PALM FOR SO. CALIFORNIA

CAN SEE SWOLLEN BASE WHEN YOUNG
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE AND OLD 15 GALLON

In the "old days", this species was known as Opsiandra maya. It is a single trunk pinnate palm that can be grown in Southern CA. It has the interesting habit of getting a very swollen base, especially when planted in the ground from a smaller plant. Interestingly enough, this swollen base to the trunk abruptly disappears with age. You'll note this bulge in the photos below. This species tends to hold a limited number of leaves, about five to seven usually.

Along the coast it takes full sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. The trunk diameter is about six to perhaps maximum eight inches. I've grown it in part day sun, which it loved. However, the trunk will often curve to seek more sun (see photo bottom row). Some grow it in full sun with success. The plants on special are very nice 15g with fat bases. I am showing several below.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE 15G $275
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $240

This size can be mail ordered. But, remember to mention this Blog Only Special for your discount.

KING PALM
ARCHONTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA
SINGLE TRUNK, CROWNSHAFTED, QUICK GROWING PINNATE PALM

ON SPECIAL PLANTS ARE HUGE FOR THEIR FIFTEEN GALLON POTS
SINGLES AND TRIPLES
TEN DAY SPECIAL SINGLE & TRIPLES - 15 GALLON SIZE

The popular King Palm is also known as the Piccabeen Palm or Bangalow palm. It is native to several areas in Australia. It can in habitat get to sixty feet tall, but in Southern California is usually not over 40 feet tall. It is crown shafted with a gray trunk. The crown shaft is green with some brown speckled areas. Leaf length is 8 to 10 feet. It is extremely popular in Southern California. There are other species of King Palms Archontophoenix) and we also grow them. On this variety shown below, ramenta is present on the back of the leaflets, a hallmark of this species. Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. The singles & triples we're putting on sale are in the 15g size and are about as tall as you can get in this pot size. The triples are ten feet tall in their pots and the single are about 12 to 13 feet. Culture is the same on both. We're putting both sizes on a Ten Day Special but after this all that don't sell will be moved into 25 gallon pots. These 15g are way too big for mail order.

REGULAR PRICE SINGLE OR TRIPLES KINGS 15G AS SHOWN BELOW $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL SINGLE OR TRIPLE 15G AS SHOWN BELOW $155

Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase for this discounted price. We do have other sizes for sale.

PARAJUBAEA TORALLYI
THE SOUTH AMERICAN "COCONUT PALM"
PRESENTLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND AVAILABLE

TALL SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM FROM SOUTH AMERICA
SPECIMEN TYPE PALM WITH PRETTY GOOD COLD TOLERANCE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This morning I thought I'd talk about this South American palm and include a fair amount of information. I'm doing this because I've found there is often confusion with the genus "Parajubaea". I included the common name of "South American Coconut" for this genus because the new palm enthusiast will most likely forget these long winded scientific names. I particularly want to emphasize P. torallyi because I think it's such a great plant and easy to grow. It has two forms.

Parajubaeas are all from South America. About twenty years ago the genus was:"reborn" with the importation of seeds of various species from habitat. Enthusiasts had to learn more because they had "new plants" in front of them. Also, this gave palm people the opportunity to grow all of the species. There are three species and one sub-variety. These are Parajubaea cocoides, sunkha, and torallyi.  Parajubaea torallyi has a sub-variety named P. torallyi variety microcarpa.  P. cocoides has historically been the species that people have grown for the longest period. This species is a bit different appearing than all the others with greener leaves and slower growth. The other three types of Parajubaeas began their notoriety when seeds began being imported. The seeds are very large (hence the term "Coconut"), shaped like a Coconut seed in a way, and some have the most peculiar wings or flanges at the end. Of these three other species, all are easier to grow and faster than P. cocoides. Long term survival has also been better in California. All are from high elevation in the Andes in Bolivia.  P. torallyi comes from elevations of up to ten thousand feet and has been reported to be the "highest elevation palm tree in the world". Cold tolerance of these three later species is excellent, with some surviving into the upper teens F. All have a somewhat silver-green leaf and leaflets. All have a husky trunk. To compare these palms, here's a synopsis.

Parajubaea torallyi: Tallest of the three, up to fifty feet. Husky trunk averaging 18 inches. Largest seed of the group. Fast growing in the ground.
Parajubaea torallyi variety microcarpa: Smaller than regular torallyi, trunk height to 30 perhaps 40 feet, thinner trunk, smaller seed, equal growth habit
Parajubaea sunkha:  Originally thought to be variety of torallyi, now known to be a species. Smallest of these three species with trunk height 25 feet. In habitat, grows at lower elevation, 6000 feet.
Parajubaea cocoides:  Natural habitat not known, may actually be a variety of P. torallyi, less cold hardy than others above, less silver in the leaves. Not as good a grower as any of the three above.

This is a full sun genus of palms. It is best to start them in strong filtered light. Germination of seeds is difficult. This is the first time I've offered this species in years because of the lack of any seeds for years. On the garden photos, the first is from a garden in Encinitas, CA. The second from Balboa Park, San Diego.   The last c/o the European Palm Society in Bolivia.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $300

I have limited numbers presently but anticipate a few more later this week.

SABAL CAUSIARUM
LARGE TRUNKED TROPICAL FAN PALM

SMOOTH AND LIGHT COLORED TRUNK
SUPER COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This is one of my favorite Sabal species. It's native to various Caribbean Islands including Puerto Rico and Cuba. It can get to height of at least 35 feet and has a trunk that is smooth and a light tan to gray color. Trunks are thick, up to about 30 inches. Leaf color is blue-green. Growth rate is good and it likes sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-teens F. The 5g size shown below are nice. We’re putting this size on sale. Get them in the ground and within a few years you’ll have a decent sized palm. I’m showing some mature plants below as well.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $115

GAUSSIA GOMEZ-POMPAE
BIGGER AND TALLER THAN GAUSSIA MAYA

PINNATE LEAVES, NO CROWN SHAFT
VERY RARE - NEW TO CULTIVATION
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZED PLANTS

This is a fairly recently described single trunk pinnate palm is from southern Mexico. There it lives among rugged outcroppings in mountainous areas. Little is known about its domestic culture. It gets to heights of over 30 feet with an 8 to 10 inch thick trunk. It has a clean trunk and no crown shaft. Leaves are green and fairly straight. The mature photos below were taken in Miami, Florida where it seems to be doing fine. I would anticipate that it wont' take temperatures much below a freeze. But, if you can grow G. maya, I'd suspect you can grow this species. These plants are a first for the market and the first batch of this species we've ever offered.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $125
DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $100

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

LARGE PALM WITH A THICK CLEAN TRUNK
FAST GROWING - LIKES WATER AND FERTILIZER
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Well grown, the Majesty Palm is a very attractive and fast growing palm from Madagascar. It got a bad rap initially because people didn't water them enough and rarely fed them. This resulted in bleached out leaf color and anemic appearing palms. But, given adequate water and a balanced fertilizer with mircroelements, they are easy to grow. Mature height is over 40 feet. The trunk is clean and tapers as you look up the trunk. Leaf color is green and leaves are un-armed. Cold tolerance is into the twenties F. Full sun along the coast is preferred. They can be used as an interior palm. I have one in my garden with about 30 feet of trun.

We're putting our 5 gallons on sale. These were grown locally from seeds.
Remember to mention this Blog Only Special if you chose to get this species.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $110

DYPSIS DECARYI
THE TRIANGLE PALM

MEDIUM MATURE HEIGHT
THREE SIDED CROWN SHAFT WITH COLOR
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This Madagascar palm is known as the "Triangle Palm" because the crown shaft has three flat sides. This crown shaft has multiple colors including purple, silver and black. It gets to a mature height of about 22 feet in 3 decades. It loves heat and sun. Leaves are a gray-green color and there is prominent speckling in the inner crown with dark colors. It is slow growing. It has a cold tolerance of about 24 degrees F. The 5 gallon size on Special and nicely sized for their containers. These are easy to mail order, They are about ready to plant in the ground after acclimation.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $100

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase

CHAMAEDOREA FRONDOSA
SUPER RARE UNDERSTORY DWARF PALM

SINGLE STEM - BIFID COMPLETE LEAVES
A TRULY UNUSUAL COLLECTOR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

This is a rare and almost never available single trunk dwarf palm with a mature height of two feet. Its trunk is very narrow and leaves are plicated (ridged) as shown below. It is an understory palm and wants filtered light. It is native to mountain cloud forests in Honduras. It has a cold tolerance in the mid to upper twenties F. and has been successfully grown by enthusiasts in So California. We may be one of the only nurseries around offering this species. You want to give it ample water and to not let it go dry. It is a dioecious species so you'll need several to get both sexes if you want to produce seeds. We're offering one gallon on sale and have very limited numbers. It can be mail ordered. Our 1 gallon are shown in the first seven photos followed ay older 5 gallon plants. Because of it's rarity, I don't have any garden photos that are better than our 5 gallon photos. Mail order should be easy, weather permitting.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE SUPER RARE ONE GALLON SIZE $85

CHAMAEROPS CERIFERA
NATIVE TO MOROCCO
THE SEMI-DWARF "BLUE MED FAN"

FULL HOT SUN - EXTREMELY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON JUVENILE PLANTS

This interesting palm is a suckering blue fan palm is native to Morocco. It's actually quite amazing that it took a long time for taxonomists to realize that it was a species and had it's own unique characteristics. It's definitely a deep blue color but also it never gets as large as Chamaereops humilus. The problem was that there were also native short clones of the later. Chamaerops cerifera is one of the most cold hardy species for those of you in super cold areas. I've had reports of it going down to 13 degrees F. Mature height is about six feet or so. Color is blue in hot sun. This species does sucker. Most importantly, with age and full sun, they will have blue leaves. The plants on special here are one gallon plants. They'd be easy to ship for mail order customers. On occasion we do offer larger sizes.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $57.50

Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.

TRITHRINAX CAMPESTRIS
BLUE, SUCKERING FAN PALM
VERY COLD HARDY

LIMITED NUMBER OLD SUCKERING 5G
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This South American suckering fan palm comes from Argentina and Uruguay. From these locations, you might suspect it could have quite a bit of cold hardiness, and this is the case with not only this species of Trithrinax, but of the genus as a whole. Availability of seeds of this species has been sparse to nonexistent. And, as a young plant, it is quite slow growing. Consequently, to get a good sized container plant can take a decade or more. We are fortunate to offer some one gallon juvenile plants as shown below. I'd estimate their age at 4 years. They will need acclimation to full hot sun and leaves will be intensely blue. This is a perfect selection for someone who lives in an interior area with lots of heat.

Overall height of this species is up to twenty feet. Multiple stems are produced, but usually the number is just several. Leaves are small, typically about two feet wide. The segments of the leaves are pointed and sharp. Trunks retain old leaf bases but, like Washingtonia, eventually fall off. This is a drought tolerant species and can take temperatures well into the 100's F. and cold tolerance is into the teens. Of note, most specimens I've seen are blue.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $70
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $55

But, remember to mention this special when purchasing to get this price.

CHAMAEDOREA ADSCENENS
SUPER RARE UNDER-STORY PALM WITH SATIN SHEEN TO LEAVES

DWARF SPECIES - SUPER DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

This is a solitary trunk dwarf species from Guatemala and Belize. It was only introduced into the trade in the past two decades. Stems are thin and a white-tan color. Leaves are blue green with an iridescent sheen. Leaves are pinnate and sometimes simple, especially when young. Height of this palm is usually under three feet, but plants in the wild have been reported to be five to six feet. It is cold hardy to about a freeze and prefers filtered light. Planting in small colonies is very attractive. This species is almost impossible to find. We got our seeds from a famous botanist, so I know they are correctly produced without hybridization. The seedlings on sale have four leaves and are two years old. They can easily be mail ordered. They’d make a great interior or patio plant as well.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $60

Limited supplies are available. Don’t miss out on this great species. The last row of photos shows a mature Nursery specimen in fruit. Note the glaucous color and sheen to the leaflets.

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE NIKAU PALM

NEW ZEALAND PALM - BULGING CROWN SHAFT
A FAVORITE OF ALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE BAND SIZE

Native stands of Rhopalostylis sapida are found in temperate parts of New Zealand and also on coastal areas of Chatham and South Islands. In these localities it is found in shaded forests and in the more moist bottoms of mountainous gullies. One does not see it at high elevation where severe cold may be seen. Rather it's in the coastal and warmer regions. Being a slow growing species, it is reported that it takes ten to fifteen years in habitat before one begins to see a formed trunk. One report done by the New Zealand government reported that it took forty years to show trunk and that ten meter trees were 200 years old. The point here is that, as a species, the Nikau Palm is slow growing in its natural habitat. Soil in the area is good draining and rainfall is ample

This is a single trunk palm that has green, upright leaves. The hallmarks of this plant are the upright pointing leaves and the swollen crown shaft. Almost always, the crown shaft is prominently larger in diameter than the trunk. The trunk has rings from old leaf attachments. Overall height after many decades is 25 to 35 feet or, on old specimens, even more. Trunk diameter is eight to twelve inches. Leaves are usually eight to twelve feet long. Growth rate is slow. Of note, we’re putting 3 to 4 leaf seedlings on sale in bands on a Ten Day Special. .

REGULAR PRICE BAND $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND $50

Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase for this discounted price. This size is a piece of cake to ship.

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

ANOTHER PALM FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

There is a second endemic species of Howea on Lord Howe Island. This is Howea belmoreana. Common names used to describe this species include the Sentry Palm, the Belmore Palm, the "Kentia Palm", and even the Umbrella Palm. However, the name "Kentia Palm" is usually used to refer to the H. forsteriana. Howea belmoreana comes from a higher elevation in its natural habitat compared to the H. forsteriana. And, given this fact, one might expect that this species is a little more cold tolerant. Most growers have found this to be true, tolerating temperatures to about 25 degrees F.

The main difference between this palm and the standard Kentia is that the crown of leaves are quite curved pointing downwards toward the grown. This gives the crown an overall umbrella appearance. Like the H. forsteriana, the Belmore Palm doesn't like full sun if away from the Coast and is rather slow growing. Most find it to be slower than the regular Kentia Palm. Culture is similar and there is little data on the transplant of this species, but I suspect it will perform about the same as the standard Kentia. We’re putting band seedlings on sale.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS $52.50

Please mention this Special at the time of purchase. Easy to mail order. BTW, folks are growing this species in the SF Bay area.

ARENGA AUSTRALASICA
THE AUSTRALIAN ARENGA PALM

CAN TOLERATE SOME COLD
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This is a suckering pinnate palm that is native to various areas in Queensland, AU. It gets to a height of ten to twelve feet, have fibrous trucks, suckers and has leaves six feet long with green dorsal sides and silver underneath. It does form a clump. It prefers filtered light or some sun. It can tolerate a freeze but not temperatures into the mid-twenties F. At our nursery outdoors they've done fine. We have limited number of one gallon plants that we’re putting on Sale. These would be simple to mail order

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $62.50

ENCEPHALARTOS MUNCHII
A RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

BLUE – GREEN SPINY LEAFLETS
SUPER DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE PLANTS

Native to Mozambique, this small to medium sized cycad grows in scrub forest among rocks and boulders. It is distinguished by its blue to blue-green color and by having leaflets that are prominently spiny. In my experience, leaf color is sometimes very blue, other times blue-green. You'll sometimes hear the description as "soapy green" to describe the leaves. Overall, the leaf color is variable.  Trunk size is usually under three feet. Upright leaves are about four feet long or less. Leaves are keeled and leaflets are lanceolate and spiny. This species likes full sun and is cold tolerant into the low 20's F. We are putting band sized seedlings on sale. They are supposed to be the blue form (from blue parents) but need age and sun to show the blue. These are easy to mail order, weather permitting.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $72.50

CYCAS DEBAOENSIS
SUPER RARE, MULTIPINNATE, SMALL CAUDEX, LONG LEAVES

YES, SEEDLINGS OF THE REAL THING!
FIRST TIME OFFERED FOR TWENTY YEARS
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

In my opinion, this is one of the most desirable cycad species introduced in the past several decades. It was formally described in 1996. Native to China, it is a plant with a rather small caudex, typically under a foot in size, but with long leaves that stretch upwards and will divide to the third order. Some argue that it's just "bi-pinnate", but if you research pictures of the leaves, there is a small stem leading to two or three leaflets. Therefore, I consider it to be "tri-pinnate". In other words, the main stem will fork and that branch will fork again, this last stem holding the leaflets.. The Caryota palm divides to the second order and is considered to be multipinate as well. With this branching, this species produces a very tropical and exotic appearing leaf.

It typically will hold two to four leaves, but has been reported to hold as many as ten leaves. Length of these can reach ten feet. They tend to go straight upwards, flexing down over time.  Cycas debaoensis prefers filtered light and is cold hardy to the lower 20's F. For the first time in a few decades, we are offering seedlings for sale.  These were domestically produced and definitely the real thing.  I've shown other plants of this species before, but such a beautiful plant cannot be shown too many times.   At nurseries, this is considered super rare and is always hard to find.

REGULAR PRICE BAND $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $85

These would be easy to mail order.



MACROZAMIA COMMUNIS
MEDIUM SIZED GREEN CYCAD FROM EASTERN AUSTRALIA

GREAT COOL WEATHER CYCAD FOR MAN AREAS
TEN DAY SPECIAL DECADES OLD 25G SPECIMEN CYCAD

In contrast to Macrozamia riedlei, this species is from the opposite eastern coast of Australia in the New South Whales district. There is has a wide distribution extending south to more cool areas. Trunks are rather thick and can be up to six or so feet tall. Leaves are green with fine pointed leaflets and a leaf length of about six feet. To get a nice mature speccimen takes 30 years or more. I'd estimate the cold hardiness to be down to about 20 degrees F. or a bit colder. It prefers full sun in most areas. On special is a 20 to 25 years old specimen in a 25g pot and a cuadex 12 inches wice and 12 inches tall. It is shown in the first six photos. The eighth photo is c/o plantsystematics.org website.nn

REGULAR PRICE THIS 25 GALLON SPECIMEN $1800
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL CYCAD $1400

PALM TREE, CYCAD & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG
PLANTS FOR SALE

SPECIAL SALE ITEMS

NEW PLANT ARRIVALS & DISCOUNT PLANTS
PALM TREE, CYCAD AND TROPICAL PLANT BLOG

JUBAEA CHILENSIS
FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM
STATELY AND MAGNIFICENT SPECIES

PRESTOEA MONTANA
AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

SYAGRUS OLERACEA
THIN TRUNK & TALL SOLITARY PALM

BRAHEA ELEGANS
THE FRANCESHCI PALM

SUPER UNUSUAL ENCEPHALARTOS HYBRID
F2 HYBRID WITH E. WOODII POLLEN

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES "ROSEA"
CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES - WHITE
CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS
GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
ASSORTMENT OF NEW VARIETIES AT NURSERY

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS
A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

VEITCHIA MERRILLII HYBRID
POTENTIAL TO GROW SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE GROWN HERE

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM

PINANGA JAVANA
SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SUCKERING OR SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

DYPSIS SPECIES "LAFAMAZANGA"
LITTLE KNOWN ABOUT IT

FAN PALMS
THEY ALL JUST LOOK LIKE MEXICAN FAN PALMS

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE NIKAU PALM

HOW THIS BLOG WORKS New plant arrivals, desirable species and requested plants included New species described every few days, most recent posts at top of thread Jump to older Blog Threads from links below. Blog discusses palm trees, cycads and tropical plants	LEARN ABOUT PALM TREES AND CYCADS Brief comments given below. We trim this thread frequently to maintain 30 day run. Information on sun requirements and cold tolerance given if available Pictures of mature specimens shown when possible In depth posts with lots of photos on some species
PRICING ON PLANTS SHOWN On some plants, pricing given with the post You can use quick link for all our prices: PALM PRICES OR CYCAD PRICES	SPECIALS AND SALES Specials below apply to drop in visits or mail orders. Photos are representative. All specials have a termination date and always expire when the current thread expires Ten Day Specials expire ten days after date of posting and are marked in red color. For any sale prices, you must mention all Blog Only Sale Prices when purchasing
DIRECTIONS TO NURSERY CLICK HERE for printable copy of DIRECTIONS 450 Ocean view Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024 Hours: M-Sat, 9AM to 4PM	CONTACT INFORMATION: Phone: 619 291 4605 Email: phil@junglemusic.net or click here FOR INSTANT EMAIL TO Phil
MAIL ORDERS Most orders sent in boxes with Fed Exp. No international shipping. Plants shipped in pots with soil. For larger plants use trucking services.	DELIVERIES (larger orders or larger plants) To almost anywhere within the continental U.S. Quite affordable. We deliver or we utilize independent trucking services on any size plants.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX ALEXANDRAE RARE TYPE KING PALM
CARYOTA GIGAS KING KONG FISHTAIL PALM
CHAMBEYRONIA HOOKERI THE BLOND FLAME THROWER PALM
RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA SHAVING BRUSH PALM
JUBAEA CHILENSIS CHILEAN WINE PALM

PALM TREE, CYCAD & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG PLANTS FOR SALE

SPECIAL SALE ITEMS

NEW PLANT ARRIVALS & DISCOUNT PLANTS PALM TREE, CYCAD AND TROPICAL PLANT BLOG

JUBAEA CHILENSIS FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM STATELY AND MAGNIFICENT SPECIES

PRESTOEA MONTANA AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

SYAGRUS OLERACEA THIN TRUNK & TALL SOLITARY PALM

BRAHEA ELEGANS THE FRANCESHCI PALM

SUPER UNUSUAL ENCEPHALARTOS HYBRID F2 HYBRID WITH E. WOODII POLLEN

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES "ROSEA" CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES - WHITE CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN ASSORTMENT OF NEW VARIETIES AT NURSERY

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

VEITCHIA MERRILLII HYBRID POTENTIAL TO GROW SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE GROWN HERE

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM

PINANGA JAVANA SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA SUCKERING OR SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

DYPSIS SPECIES "LAFAMAZANGA" LITTLE KNOWN ABOUT IT

FAN PALMS THEY ALL JUST LOOK LIKE MEXICAN FAN PALMS

RAVENEA RIVULARIS THE MAJESTY PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA THE NIKAU PALM

PALM TREE, CYCAD & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG
PLANTS FOR SALE

NEW PLANT ARRIVALS & DISCOUNT PLANTS
PALM TREE, CYCAD AND TROPICAL PLANT BLOG

JUBAEA CHILENSIS
FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM
STATELY AND MAGNIFICENT SPECIES

PRESTOEA MONTANA
AKA PRESTOEA ACUMINATA VAR. MONTANA

SYAGRUS OLERACEA
THIN TRUNK & TALL SOLITARY PALM

BRAHEA ELEGANS
THE FRANCESHCI PALM

SUPER UNUSUAL ENCEPHALARTOS HYBRID
F2 HYBRID WITH E. WOODII POLLEN

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES "ROSEA"
CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES - WHITE
CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS

HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS
GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
ASSORTMENT OF NEW VARIETIES AT NURSERY

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS
A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

VEITCHIA MERRILLII HYBRID
POTENTIAL TO GROW SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE GROWN HERE

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM

PINANGA JAVANA
SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SINGLE TRUNK MOUNTAIN FORM

LACCOSPADIX AUSTRALASICA
SUCKERING OR SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

DYPSIS SPECIES "LAFAMAZANGA"
LITTLE KNOWN ABOUT IT

FAN PALMS
THEY ALL JUST LOOK LIKE MEXICAN FAN PALMS

RAVENEA RIVULARIS
THE MAJESTY PALM

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
THE NIKAU PALM