Dypsis decaryi
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| Dypsis decaryi | ||||||||||||||
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| Dypsis decaryi (Jum.) Beentje & J.Dransf. |
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Neodypsis decaryi |
Dypsis decaryi is a palm tree commonly known as the Triangle palm native to the Madagascan rainforest. It can reach 15 meters in height although it is rarely found that tall outside of its native habitat due to it being relatively new to cultivation. The leaves are about 2.5 meters in length, arching almost upright from the trunk and then arching gracefully about a meter from their tip. Yellow and green flowers branch out from the lower leaves, which later produce round black inedible fruit about 25mm (1in) in diameter.[1] It blooms all year, thus making it especially colorful.[2]
The palm is a great ornamental plant and should be grown out in the open to show its unique shape. It prefers full sun and regular watering, although can handle occasional dryness and part shade.[3] If given the choice it prefers sandy soil. Because the plant does not transplant well, it is a bad choice for commercial field growing.[4] It is a fast grower once established and its seed normally germinates within a month of being planted.[5]
[edit] Threatened Status
Although this species is now commonly cultivated in a variety of climates, there are only about 1,000 individuals left in its native habitat of a small area in southern Madagascar. It is threatened both by fire and the harvesting of its seeds for export.[6]
