Blue Latan palm
Latania loddigesii
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
Robust solitary fan palms. The trunk has rings. The crown has stiff large leaves. The leaf stalk extends into the leaf. The leaf bases are prominently split. The flowering stalks arises amongst the leaves. The flowers are of separate sexes. Male and female trees are needed for fertile seed. Each fruit contains 1-3 seeds. The fruit are round and fleshy. They turn greenish-brown when ripe.
There are 3 Latania species.
Where it is found
They are tropical plants. They like sun. The need good soil drainage. They are often in seasonally wet and dry climates. They can grow near the sea. It can grow on coastal cliffs. They are drought and salt tolerant. In XTBG Yunnan. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, China, Guam, Indonesia, Mascarene Islands (country/location of origin), Mauritius, SE Asia
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed which needs to be fresh. Seed germinate in 2-4 months.
Seedlings are fast growing.
Its other names
Local names
Palem kipas, Palem latania biru