Talk:Rhapidophyllum

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This palm is "super hardy"! There has been a nice clump of needle palms with a large central specimin growing on the campus of the College of Mount Saint Joseph in Delhi Township, Ohio (a south-western suburb of Cincinnati). This palm has consistantly flowered for several years but whether viable seeds were produced is unknown at this time but several "pups" are evident. This particular palm has suffered very minimal leaf burn due to winters and damage is isolated to only the tips of a few older fronds. The Mount Saint Joseph specimin is a fantastic example of this palm and a strong testament to the Needle palm's overall hardiness. Other needle palms are grown in the Cincinnati area with success. Why are they nearly impossible to find in Cincinnati area nursuries?

[edit] "Adaptable Range"

Some questions have come up on another discussion board about the "adaptable range" maps in the Sabal minor and Rhapidophyllum hystrix articles. Unfortunately the maps are unattributed, there is no indication of where the information in them comes from, and as they stand they are completely unverifiable. They almost certainly consistute original research. I believe they should be deleted, unless the editor who put them in can provide a clear and verifiable reference for where they came from. MrDarwin (talk) 14:04, 7 December 2007 (UTC)

• Hi, MrDarwin, I saw the map that tou're talking about and suggest that the title of the map to be changed from "adaptable range" to something that implies a bit less scientific clout, like "range for potential landscape material" or something like that. It would be great if the person who posted the map would elaborate on how the map was created as I am interested in knowing and if it is verifiable then it would be even more interesting. Alot of people in the hardy palm hobby do keep extensive and impressive records and that should be recognized for what it is and acknowleged- possibly adding to other published research like a Miami University of Ohio. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio and am the person that planted the large needle palm specimen at the College of Mount Saint Joseph in the Spring of 2000. The palm at Mount Saint Joseph is still doing great, has several "pups", has several infloreses each and every Spring and is downright thriving as are other needle and sabal minor palms here in the Cincinnati area. Although I would tend to agree that they are "adaptable" here in the Cincinati area as indicated on the map I would also have to temper that with the fact that although the plantings do great here and even produce "pups" I have not seen any "naturalizing" at any distance more that a few yards from the mother plant and really don't know if any viable seeds are being produced from the flower, further research is needed (even though Dr. Franko of Miami University, Ohio has contributed extensive research to the subject and has published at least one book which is called "Palms Won't Grow Here and Other Myths". I have to go now, I'll be back to finish this thought. PaulCincinnati (forgot my passwod- will sign in after I look it up and come back)