Cabbage tree palm, Mitchell Plateau Palm, Kimberley Fan Palm
Livistona eastonii
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A palm which grows up to 8-13 m tall. The trunk is 14 cm across. The leaves form a small, sparse crown. The trunk has square areas near the base and rings further up. The leaves are bright green. Fronds emerge folded down the middle into two equal halves. Often the dead fronds hang beneath the crown.
There are 28 Livistona species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows naturally in forests in the Kimberleys in Northern Western Australia. It suits drier tropical areas.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Cabbage, palm heart
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from freshly sown seed. Seeds germinate in 3-6 months. They should be transplanted at the seed-leaf stage.
Plants are slow growing.