Cabbage Tree Palm, Australian Fan Palm
Livistona australis

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

It is a tall palm. It can be 30 m tall. The trunk is sturdy and grey. The trunk can be 25-35 cm across. It has rings. The bark is cracked and rough. The leaf stalks are long and slender. The leaves form a large crown. The tips droop. The leaves are shiny green. The ends of the leaves are wavy and form a circle. The leaves are divided for 2/3 their length into segments then these are divided into 2 sharp tips. These hang down. The older leaves often remain on the palm. The flowering stalk is shorter than the leaves. The flower stalk has brown bracts around it. The flowers are cream. Fruit are black. They have a thin waxy bloom. They are round and 20 mm across.

There are 28-34 Livistona species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in rainforests and along streams and swamps. It suits humid locations. It grows in temperate and subtropical places. It is best grown in well-drained organically rich soils, but will grow in a range of soils. It can tolerate wet soils if the water is moving and not stagnant. Frosts only cause minor browning on the leaves. They do best in a well lit position. In tropical Queensland it grows from 400-840 m altitude. In Melbourne Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Arboretum Tasmania. In Hobart Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), East Africa, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Pacific, SE Asia, Slovenia, Tasmania, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The base of young shoots eaten. The growing tip or cabbage is eaten raw or cooked. (As this kills the palm, it is not recommended)

It is also cultivated.

Edible parts

Palm heart, cabbage, gum

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate easily. Germination takes 1-3 months. Seedlings transplant easily.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Cabbage palm, Daranggarra, Fan Palm, Kondo, Palem kubis australia, Senčnikasta palma

Synonyms

Livistona inermis R. Br.; Corypha australis R. Br.;