Alexandra palm
| Alexandra palm |
|---|
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| Scientific Classification |
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| Binomial Name |
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Archontophoenix alexandrae |
The Alexandra palm is a towering, unsociable, attractive palm. The leaves, are about 6 to 7 feet long, and are also very firm. They are compound pinnate branches and contain the propensity to alternate 90 degrees to help it receive sunlight. The Alexandra palm has a tall, slender trunk that can grow up to 89.5 feet in height. Near the top of the tree, it has a crown of 10 to 12 pinnate leaves. Most of the leaflets are on the same level. They are a light, grass green on the top and they have a silver-type color on the bottom. Near the base of the petioles, the leaves will rarely slope under the bright, green, crown form. [1]
Body Design
The shaft of the palm is smooth and ringed with obvious leaf scars; and the base can be noticeably inflamed. Flowers are usually formed below the crown with the velvety flower stems containing amethyst, lavender flowers. The sphere-like fruit is about 1/2 of an inch in diameter. At maturity they are a bright burgundy color. The flowers will eventually produce the fruit. The fruit is pink and bright red at maturity, and in shape it is conic-ovoid, fibers in the mesocarp are thick, flat, and usually remain tight in the dried state. [2]
Life Cycle
The Alexandra palm reproduces only by the dispersal of seeds. The palm has a fruit to protect the seeds in which they can be spread by birds and bats. The seeds can also float; which is the main cause of why this palm has invaded island waterways and Australian canals. The Alexandra palm also takes root in dirt, in which the conditions are suitable. If the soil is without water near the roots, it will need a plentiful amount of rain. [3]
Ecology
The Alexandra palm is native to Central and northern Queensland coastal rainforest, Australia. A. alexandrae is found mainly in the tropical regions of the Western Pacific Oceania, and Queensland, Australia. It is a tall palm that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is also an invasive species in the Islands of Hawaii. In fact, there are also a few introduced Alexandra palms in Hong Kong, China. The Alexandra palm grows in acidic and neutral soil. It grows best in clay, loam and sand. A' alexandrae also grows incredibly fast and still requires little water. In its tropical, native habitat, it grows in all four seasons. [4] Archontophoenix are naturally found in the eastern section of Australia, especially along the coastal areas. In their common habitat, they have mild and occasionally a moist climate; and in extremely rare cases, a frost. They will cold burn badly at 24 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. And following this, colder temperatures, which will usually die below 23 degrees Fahrenheit. On the upper section of the thermometer, the Alexandra palm can tolerate temperatures that are around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If they are drenched heavily with cold water and will succeed better when they are not in full sun with these temperatures. [5]
Invasive Threat
Originating from Brisbane, Australia, the Alexandra Palm has spread to many islands of Polynesia and Oceania. Due to the palm spreading in a viral manner through water because of its seeds, many areas have had to blockade these areas to prevent further growth. The Alexander palm is native to the coastal areas of northern and central Queensland It is emerging as accepted in the southeastern Queensland area, with accounts from the Greater Brisbane area. There are also unverified rumors that it has developed and has been established in the seaside regions of northern New South Wales. [6]
Video
A personal view of the Alexandra palm, gives a real life perspective on the palm's growth.
References
- ↑ Archontophoenix alexandrae Pacsoa Wiki. Web. Accessed 5/26/15 author unknown
- ↑ Archontophoenix alexandrae Pacsoa Wiki. Web. Accessed 5/26/15 author unknown
- ↑  Weed Watch Alexander palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae). Web. Accessed 5/26/15 author unknown
- ↑ ARCHONTOPHOENIX alexandrae learn2grow. Web. Accessed 5/26/15 author unknown
- ↑ Bergman, Phil KING PALM - ARCHONTOPHOENIX junglemusic. Web. Accessed 5/26/15
- ↑  King Palm Tree – Archontophoenix alexandrae florida-palm-trees. Web. Accessed 5/26/15 author unknown
