Archontophoenix alexandrae
Archontophoenix alexandrae (Alexander palm, Alexandra palm, king Alexander palm, king palm, northern bangalow palm; syn. Ptychosperma alexandrae F.Muell.) is a palm native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, and naturalised in Hawaii and parts of Florida.
Archontophoenix alexandrae | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Arecales |
Family: | Arecaceae |
Genus: | Archontophoenix |
Species: | A. alexandrae |
Binomial name | |
Archontophoenix alexandrae | |
It grows in littoral rainforest, often in locations that are severely inundated during heavy rain events. Their ability to withstand these conditions allow them to become the dominant species.
It grows with a single trunk to a dramatic height of 20 - 30 feet (6 - 10 meters). Flower-clusters grow directly off the trunk below the level of the palm fronds. These flower-clusters can themselves grow to approximately 3 feet (1 meter) diameter. The flower-clusters bear red berries which, in Australia, attracts magpies. When the flower-cluster is spent, it falls to the ground, and in population areas, this can be problematic because of its size, weight and general messiness.
It is often used as an ornamental plant.
- Habitat
- Flowering
- Fruiting
- Fruit