Rhopalostylis Cheesemanii vs Oceana.

[Tyrone]

Just been watching the movie Hunt For The Wilderpeople which has the most footage of Rhopalostylis sapida in habitat of any movie.

[cbmnz]

19 hours ago, Tyrone said:

Just been watching the movie Hunt For The Wilderpeople which has the most footage of Rhopalostylis sapida in habitat of any movie.

The parts where you see Nikau everywhere will be the parts shot in the Waitākere Ranges West of Auckland , the movie was set on the Central Plateau where there are no Nikau so that was a bit of a discrepancy.  That said a database I found claims a grove exists way deep in Tongariro forest near Mt Ruapehu, would love to know if that is true as if so may be an interesting sub-population somewhat more cold hardy.

[Tyrone]

I’ve got to get myself to NZ one day.

[James B]

Inspired by several members on this thread. I planted both in large 15 gallon palms. One Oceana acquired by Joe at Discovery Island, one Cheesemanii acquired by Phil at Jungle Music. Even at this size the Oceana/Chatham is massive looks like in several years will be a beast. They are protected behind Ravenea with the exception of the top fronds. The Cheesemanii has shown zero burn to its top exposed leaf. The Oceana had some leaf burn already and does not seem to have added any since planting. What’s interesting is right now the Chatham’s spear is growing faster so far. Still too early to tell long term.