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Livistona australis

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Livistona australis (R.Br.) Mart.

Family Name: Arecaceae (Palmae)
Synonyms: Corypha australis R.Br.
Common Name: Cabbage Palm, Australian Cabbage Palm

Livistona australis , also known as Cabbage Palm, is a solitary palm that can reach up to 25 m tall. The fibres are used by early European settlers in Australia to make cabbage tree hat, the first distinctive Australian headwear in use. It is a highly prized plant in many gardens and collections in Europe during the 19th century.

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
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Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
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Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants)
Plant Growth Form Palm
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Maximum Height 25 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Australia
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a palm that can reach up to 25 m tall and has a solitary growth habit. Petiole stubs remain on the stem even after the leaves fall off. These stubs may fall off gradually with time. The stem is ringed with narrow leaf scars and prominent longitudinal fissures.
Foliage Leaves are fan-shaped (costapalmate), about 1 – 1.3 m long, and deeply divided for 49 – 69% of the length. Leaves are regularly segmented and can have 80 – 100 segments each. The tip of the segment is pendulous. The petiole can reach up to 2.5 m long and are armed with curved short black spines along the margin. Sheet-like fibers are prominent and persistent at the base of the petiole.
Flowers Inflorescence occurs between the leaves (interfoliar) and can reach 1.4 – 2.5 m long. It comprises of many small white to pale yellow flowers. Flower is funnel-shaped with fleshy petals and sepals.
Fruit Fruit is round (about 1.2 – 2.2 cm diameter) with scattered lenticellular pores and suture line. The fruit is red and turns dull reddish brown to black at maturity. Each fruit contains 1 seed within.
Habitat It is found in rainforest, swamp forest, coastal forests and along streams, up to 1000 m altitude.
Associated Fauna Flowers are pollinated by insects.
Cultivation It is the first palm mentioned in European accounts of Australia and a highly prized plant in many gardens and collections in Europe during the 19th century. The first successful cultivation of L. australis at Kew was documented in 1824. The seeds were unintentionally used as drainage crocks in containers of other Australian plants and germinated by chance during the voyage to England. In a span of a few years, the palm became commercially available in England.
Etymology The genus commemorates Sir Patrick Murray (1632 – 1671), 2nd Lord of Elibank and 17th century Baron of Livingstone, who donated his private plant collection after his death and helped found the Edinburgh Botanic Garden. The specific epithet refers to Australia, the place where it occurs naturally.
Ethnobotanical Uses Cultural / Religious: The fibres are used by early European settlers in Australia to make cabbage tree hat, the first distinctive Australian headwear in use. The fibres were first boiled, dried and bleached, before weaving them into hats.
Others: The young tender leaves and growing point are traditionally eaten like cabbages by indigenous people in Australia. It can be consumed raw or cooked.

Landscaping Features

Usage Hazard - Cons Spines/Thorns - Leaf

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Foliar Shape(s) Palm Fronds (Fan / Costapalmate)
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 2.5 (Palm - Solitary)

Non - Foliar and Storage

Trunk Type (Palm) Solitary Habit, Aboveground

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Black, Red, Brown
Seed Quantity Per Fruit Few (1-5)

References

References Dowe, J.L. (2009). A taxonomic account of Livistona R.Br. (Arecaceae). Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 60: 185-344.
Dowe, J.L. & Schlumpberger, B.O. (2018). Livistona australis in 19th Century Europe, a Horticultural VIP. Palms 64 (4): 161 – 173

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Master ID 1355
Species ID 2648
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 29 August 2023.
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