Millstream Fan-palm
Livistona alfredii
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A palm. Plants have a fairly stout trunk. It grows 12 m high. The trunk is 30-40 cm thick. The trunk is grey and has rings. The leaf stalks are whitish. The leaves form a distinctive crown. The leaves are pale blue-green and stiff, dull and finely divided. They are divided for about 2/3 their length. These segments are then divided into finely pointed drooping lobes. They have a waxy surface. The old leaf bases remain of the trunk near the base. The flowers are yellowish and on upward pointing branches on the flower stalks. The fruit are large and round. They are 3.5-4 cm across. The skin is dark brown with lighter spots. The flesh is thin and juicy.
There are 34 Livistona species. They are tropical and subtropical.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows naturally in the Pilbara in Western Australia. It suits inland regions. Seedlings can tolerate sunlight from an early stage. It suits very hot dry locations. It grows on calcareous soils near springs. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
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 are grown from seed. Seed need to be planted fresh. Seeds germinate in 3-6 months.
Seedlings grow slowly.