Tree, Palm, Cycad...

Discussion in 'Caudiciforms and Pachycaul Trees' started by TracyN, Sep 11, 2007.

  1. TracyN

    TracyN Member

    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
    I would be grateful for any information on the plant pictured.

    We have a couple in our garden, and I am contemplating cutting one of them back, as it is getting a little high. As it is in a particularly prominent position, I am loath to work on my usual gardening principle: "it'll be fine..."

    TreeorCycad.JPG
     
  2. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

    Messages:
    4,398
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Austin, Tx
  3. photopro

    photopro Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,455
    Likes Received:
    3
    Location:
    Siloam Springs, AR, USA
    Saltcedar is likely correct. I sent a note this morning to palm, cycad, aroid expert/author Leland Miyano in Hawaii. The problem in being positive is the current size of the specimen. It appears your plant is neither a palm or a cycad. I'd certainly do some serious research before cutting this as you may cause permanent damage. This was Leland's response:

    "Aloha. There are several possibilities but two plants
    are most likely.

    Beaucarnia( Nolina) recurvata is the most commonly
    grown species of plants commonly known as ponytail
    palms...but are not related to palms. The genus is in
    dispute...some botanists consider this plant to be in
    the genus Nolina...and Tropicos reflects this. This
    species eventually gets enormous...I've grown these to
    have trunks 6 feet in diameter and they can get much,
    much larger. It is very common as a small house
    plant.

    Beaucarnia ( Nolina) guatemalensis is another commonly
    grown plant which differs slightly from recurvata in
    that the base is not as swollen and the general habit
    is more erect. It used to be rare, but now is quite
    common, but not to the degree of Nolina recurvata.

    Beaucarnia or Nolina used to be in Agavaceae, but now
    is considered its own family the Nolinaceae, which
    includes Calibanus and Dasylirion.
    Culture is easy, but they are desert plants and best
    treated as a succulent with good drainage, full sun,
    just a touch of water. However, it can take a lot of
    abuse and I've seen them in shade, daily watering,
    etc. The only thing it hates is poor drainage. Some
    people grow them in bright light indoors and they can
    get really long, elegant leaves.

    One of the most beautiful species is Nolina
    stricta...it is much slower to grow and requires full
    sun and drainage. The glaucous leaves are stiff and
    erect and the caudex gets really corky and looks like
    an ancient tortoise shell."


    For any in the South Florida area, Leland is the guest speaker at the International Aroid Society meeting and International Aroid Show in Miami, Sept. 15-16 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens.
     
  4. TracyN

    TracyN Member

    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
    Thanks!
     
  5. edleigh7

    edleigh7 Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,769
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Brisbane Queensland Australia
    TracyN...If you want to cut it back that should be fine...you will even get around 6 new growth coming from the sides of the remaining plant. You can even try potting the crown, by removing 1/3 of the strappy leaves and put some rooting powder on the open wound. Hope I helped

    Ed
     
  6. TracyN

    TracyN Member

    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
    Many months later...

    Having lopped off two thirds, then planted the top third...

    Edleigh said that I may get up to six new 'buds' from the bottom bit. I have 19! Should I leave it alone or attempt to propagate? Also, the top third is looking a little sad, but not actually brown. There appears to have been new growth from the top, but the overall colour is very pale green. Not tempted to hoik it out just yet, but is there anything I can do to give it a lift?

    Cheers

    Tracy
     
  7. edleigh7

    edleigh7 Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,769
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Brisbane Queensland Australia
    Excellent work Tracy!!!
    Leave the bottom bit, to grow for while before you attempt to propogate!!

    Ed
     

Share This Page