Ptychococcus lepidotus- a palm not often discussed

[Eric in Orlando]

Ptychococcus lepidotus is a palm I don't see discussed much. It does seem to be a trickier palm to grow since it comes from higher altitudes of New Guinea.

Here is a specimen growing in bright shade at Leu Gardens. It was planted in Oct. 2006. It was about 3 foot tall growing in a 7 gallon pot. It didn't grow much for a few years but it has been a moderate grower since. Currently it is about 12 feet tall. I had tried this palm a couple of times before without luck. This palm survived the 2009-10 winter with just minor burn.

 

 

[Jeff Searle]

Nice Eric, I have some small ones in pots and will eventually try it in the ground here. I have the other species and they do very well for me.

[Eric in Orlando]

I;ve only tried Ptychococcus lepidotus . I think P. paradoxus might be too tender up here in CenFL. How much cold have they taken for you?

 

 

[CLINODAVE]

kinda looks like a ptychosperma

 

[Eric in Orlando]

Ptychococcus and Ptychosperma are closely related.

[palmtreesforpleasure]

They are suprisingly cool hardy. Down to 5c take cool winters.

Tougher than you may think

Regards

Colin

[Eric in Orlando]

I am surprised it takes our long hot season since it comes from higher altitudes. 

[Tyrone]

On 18/08/2017, 9:15:50, palmtreesforpleasure said:

They are suprisingly cool hardy. Down to 5c take cool winters.

Tougher than you may think

Regards

Colin

They take colder than that. I have one under canopy doing ok here. In the open we went down to approx neg 3C. For me this is one that will always be protected by canopy to do ok, but a 5C night though cool is not a really cold night for my garden.