Walking Stick Palm
Linospadix monostachyos

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A small solitary palm. Plants have a very slender trunk. It is 3-4 m high and 3-4 cm thick. The leaves are dark green and form a loose crown. They are 1 m long. They start by pointing upwards but then hang over. The leaflets are irregular shape and irregularly placed along the stalk. The fruit occur in long strings and are red or orange. The fruiting stalks are 1 m long. The fruit are oval and 1 cm long.

There are 11 Linospadix species.

Where it is found

It grows in subtropical and temperate regions. It grows in moist sheltered areas of rainforest. Plants should be grown in the shade. They need organically rich, well-drained soil. They can withstand cold. In Adelaide Botanical Gardens hot house.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

There is a thin layer of edible flesh around the seed. The bud of new shoots is also eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, cabbage, palm heart

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed germinates easily in 4-6 months. Seed need to be planted fresh. Seedlings transplant easily.

Plants are very slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Midgin-bil

Synonyms

Areca monostachya Mart.; Bacularia macrostachya (Mart.) F. Muell.; Kentia monostachya (Mart.) F. Muell.;