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When I lived in Arizona I watched my bizzies hold lots of spears(4-5) closed every year in the hottest/driest part of the year(110F and 8-15% RH) till the monsoon hit in july. Once the monsoon hit and the humidity went to 50%, they would all open within 6-7 weeks. I saw this happen year after year, spears would rise but not open till the humidity went up. the palm is protecting itself in these cases I expect. Opening spears means an increase in water loss through increased in exposed leaf area, and if the roots are not developed it would tend to conserve water by holding spears. It may take 3 years for that palm to fully establish its roots up in santa cruz.

Good to know Kostas! I am growing krociana and lakatra in pots and these are fine with our cold frames and average minimum. The rivularis i am showing is in a sheltered place and is perfect. Growing like a weed.

Under heavy rain, deep in the jungle, after having crossed furious stream by walking on two Areca trunks (thank you Areca catechu for making the bridge) we met Loxococcus in villagers's home garden. Floowing the tradition, villagers use Loxococcus flowers for worshiping Gods, either Lord Buddha or other hindu Gods. We were close to the pilgrims way to Adam's peak. Sorry for the quality of the pics, I was worrying my camera wasn't waterproof!

The rain let up and we were able to get a few things in the ground including two that have lost their tags. Here are their pictures: Licuala kunstleri Licuala - Does anyone know which species this is? Pholidostachys - Does anyone know which species this is? Lee

We have three Chambeyronia macrocarpa planted together. This is the first time all three have thrown their new red leaves at the same time. Lee

Yes, a new C/shaft on Dypsis Piluifera is "Bright Orange indeed", gotta Love the "white rings " on the "lime green trunk" too I didn't "wet" the palm for pics, it was behind the "old "C/shaft , 1st shot shows old C/shaft still attached. Pete

Jastin, I’ve looked at your pictures and I don’t think your palm has gotten that close to China yet. I’ve personally dug close enough to China while planting palms for my wife Lilikoilee that I’ve been approached by their border guards. Your palm isn’t that close yet. If you dig down and can smell sczechuan cooking you’re there. Mike

That's it for this garden. I thought my head would explode from all the color. These amazing plants are on raised beds with soil that was brought in along with a drip for each plant.

A few more? Why the heck not

I thought my head would explode! Next up, Collection #2

A morning stroll through the rainforest brings us upon a small intersection where we're surrounded by the still foliage and the rustling of mourning doves in the leaf litter. Let's just take a look at this little fork in the palmy path. A freshly planted Bentinckia takes a spot right in the middle of a walkway. Euterpe sp. 'orange crownshaft' spreads it's fronds in this little hole in the canopy. We're surrounded by Clinostigma savoryanum, Euterpe, Kentiopsis pyriformis, Michelia, Dypsis leptocheilos, Hedescepy.

Weeks ago Cass and I headed to Cairns for some rest relaxation n restaurants, I didn't take many snaps as we where making the most of our "time alone" But, a snap I "had" to take was of this Choice Licuala Cordata in the Cairns Botanic Gardens, Love these gardens very very much and enjoyed every visit which has been many . Pete

Thanks Wal and Jim, heres a few more, and Yes Jim Nth NSW is very beautiful, we Love where we live Pete

Rafael - D saintluceii was mention by Geoff as being hardy for him. Dave I'm still a beginner when it come to more tropical palms but I'm learning, and really appreciate this posting! D. decipiens is still the hardiest for the west coast and for you too Rafael since your climate is probably like part of CA. I don't have one yet, but if I did I would have to protect it from severe winter cold spells up here at 47N. The weather in my part of PNW is crazy, last Decembers low was 12F (-11C) no snow. ( the coldest in 10 years) January 2010 low was 30F and March and April 28F. Here the daytime highs in winter are only in the 40-50's. We do get some tropical rain in winter a few times when the low's & high go up around 60F. But only last a few days. The most rain we have gone through in winter has been 90 day straight. We are famouse for are cloudy days. I live 150 miles from the largest temperate rain forest in the US. See picture below, But I'm lucky I live in a rain shadow and get about as much rain per year as Miami. 60" mostly from Late October to April. Summer are cool but heat waves go into the 90's and even low 100F like last years 40C. Crazy weather here.