Mottled dwarf palm (Pinanga crassipes)

Product description

This dwarf palm has a special pattern of light green spots on its leaves in its first years. This allows the plant to camouflage itself in the lower layer of the rainforest, preventing the young leaves from being eaten by insects or other herbivores. As the plant ages, the shape of the leaves changes and the spots disappear. Then, to still protect the newly formed leaf from herbivores, it takes on a special pinkish-red colour. With this, it looks poisonous and the attractive leaves are not affected. 

The palm species is rare and only found in Borneo's rainforest. Its height is up to 2 metres. Older plants have large clusters of white flowers followed by dark red fruits that turn black when ripe. Rather thick aerial roots form at the base of the palm, providing stability. As the small palm naturally receives little light, direct sunlight should be avoided. Provide well-drained, slightly acidic soil and keep it constantly slightly moist. For optimum growth a temperature above 20gC is best, but the minimum temperature is around 15gC. Spray the leaves with water regularly if the humidity is below 70%.  

Sowing description: The already germinated seed can be sown directly in a well-drained soil of e.g. sowing soil and Sphagnum moss. For initial development, a temperature above 20grC is optimal.