Cabbage palm, Queensland fan palm
Livistona drudei
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A palm with a smooth grey trunk. It can be 20-27 m tall. The trunk is 25 cm across. The trunk is smooth and pale grey to white. The leaves are bright green and form a large crown. The leaves are 1.3-1.6 m long. These arch out on long slender leaf stalks. The stalks are 1.6-2.3 m long. The leaf blades are divided into narrow drooping segments. The flowers are cream. The fruit are 1.5 cm across. They are round and dull purple.
There are 28 Livistona species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It suits tropical and subtropical climates. It occurs naturally in coastal areas north of Townsville in Australia. It grows in colonies along stream banks. It grows from sea level to 110 m altitude. It prefers well-drained organically rich soil. Seedlings need shelter from the sun. In Townsville palmetum. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Indonesia, SE Asia
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Cabbage, palm heart
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate in 2-3 months.
Plants can be quite fast growing.
Its other names
Local names
Palem kipas queensland