Licuala ramsayi
Licuala ramsayi is a species of plant in the family Arecaceae; its common name is the Queensland or Australian fan palm.[1]
| Licuala ramsayi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Licuala ramsayi near Mission Beach, Queensland | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Licuala |
| Species: | L. ramsayi |
| Binomial name | |
| Licuala ramsayi | |
Description
Distinctive palm with a single trunk to 15m height and large pleated leaves forming circles up to 2m in diameter. Petioles have formidable spines to 5mm long.
Distribution and habitat
Occurs in swamps, riverbanks, and rainforests in Australia from the Cape York Peninsula to the Paluma Range north of Townsville. One of the most cold-tolerant Licuala species and the only one native to Australia.
Ecology
Trees provided an edible cabbage to Aboriginals, as well as thatch, food wrapping, and cigarette papers (from young leaves)[2]
Licuala Walking Track near Wongaling Beach, QLD
References
- Cooper, Wendy. "Australian Rainforest Fruits" (2013): 84.
- Beasly, John. "Plants of Tropical North Queensland" (2006): 35.
External links
- Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants- Licuala ramsayi var. ramsayi
- Palm and Cycad Society of Australia
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