Vuleito, Vilaito
Neoveitchia storckii
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A solitary palm. It can grow 20 m tall. The trunk is 30 cm across. The base is fattened. It has a heavy crown of fronds. The crown-shaft is loose and open. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The leaves are 5-6 m long. The leaflets are 75 cm long. The leaflets are broad and pointed. There are several flowering stalks with hanging spikes. The flowers are white. The fruit are reddish-yellow. They are 5 cm long. They have long tassels hanging from amongst the fruit bunch.
There are 2 Neoveitchia species. It is a rare plant needing protection.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows naturally in Viti Levu in Fiji. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It is cold sensitive. In Cairns Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Fiji (country/location of origin), New Caledonia, Pacific
How it is used for food
The immature fruit are eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. Seed take 2-6 months to germinate. The germination varies.