Family: Arecaceae
Scientific name: Dypsis arenarum
Common name: Sand palm
Origin: Madagascar

The sand palm is an unusual, graceful and above all rare species from Madagascar. Unfortunately, there are few palms left in the wild, because much of the habitat has disappeared due to urbanization and wildfires. The species can still be found in the coastal forests in eastern Madagascar, between the towns of Soanierana Ivongo and Vatomandry. There it grows near fresh water in a humid and warm climate. 

It is a relatively small palm that can reach a height of 6 meters in the wild. The older part of the trunk turns dark green and has prominent, light leaf scars. Above this, the younger portion is light-colored with greenish-yellow petioles from there that are reddish at first. The leaves can grow about one meter in size. 
The species can be kept as a houseplant, limiting its size. Provide a sunny location and consistently moist, well-drained soil with sand. The plant likes high humidity so regular watering of the leaves is recommended. 

The seeds come from palms planted by conservation organization Zazamalala. See the second photo for that.

Sowing description: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours, then sow in sowing soil. Keep soil constantly slightly moist and allow to germinate at 25-30 deg C. Germination can follow as long as the seeds are hard. 

Sowing period: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 15 degrees Celsius

Photo 1: Agaveville (www.agaveville.org)
Photo 2: Simon Rietveld (www.zazamalala.org)