Family: Arecaceae
Scientific name: Kerriodoxa elegans
Common name: White elephant palm
Origin: Thailand

The underside of the leaves of this palm is silver-white and that makes it a special appearance. It is a rare species found only in two national parks in Thailand: Khao Phra Thaeo National Park on the island of Phuket and Khao Sok National Park north of it on the mainland. There the palm grows in the lower layers of the rainforest, so it is used to moist, shady conditions. Usually also along streams, so the species naturally likes consistently moist soil. The fan-shaped leaves can grow up to 2 meters in tropical conditions, but as a houseplant they will remain somewhat smaller. 

It is a slow grower, but the silver-white color will show already at the first leaves. This makes it a spectacular palm to grow, but it is important to keep conditions as tropical as possible. So avoid direct sunlight, water the leaves regularly and make sure the soil is constantly moist. 

Sowing description: Soak seeds in water for a few hours, then sow in seed bed at 25-30grC. Keep soil constantly moist, after which germination usually follows after 3 to 8 weeks. Seeds can germinate, as long as they are hard. 

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 12 degrees Celsius

Photo 1: Scott Zona
Photo 2: Jungle Rebel