Hi Everyone, A palm that continues to impress me is Lemurophoenix halleuxii. I remember seeing a large one in nth Queensland about ten years ago, and even though it had yet to form a trunk, it was mind-blowing. That palm later grew to a large tree, but unfortunately succumbed to Cyclone Larry a few years ago. I'm sure there are other large Lemurophoenix growing in FNQ (I did see another that was also quite large). There is also a planting of them at a public park in Townsville.

I only have one growing here, but it has been a surprising grower, not a rocket ship, but not too slow either. The new leaf colour is a rusty red, and the petioles etc are a nice burgundy colour.

This palm has withstood -1C and drought, long cool winters, 44C heat, you name it. It has only ever had a few brown tips through all of this. Admittedly, It is one palm in my garden that I do water as they certainly appear to like the old H2O. They appear to like our SE QLD climate, and seem to have similar requirements to many of the large Dypsis, so I would assume if you can grow large Dypsis you can grow these. There are some nice sized plants at Utopia, and a lot of local palm enthusiasts are also growing this here.

I'm sure there are collectors growing these beauties in Hawaii, Florida, etc but I never hear any mention of them. If any of you are growing them, how do they perform in your climate?

Early morning sun on a new leaf

Petiole colour

Hi Daryl, I would say the same growing habit as you described above. Not fast and not particularly slow either, but steady. It's amazingly trouble free and I've never had to spray for anything.

I probably get 3 leaves a year and they have finally started getting noticeably larger. No water problems here of course and it's planted along a natural drainage course which means it

gets totally saturated more often than not. Partial shade with filtered sun and super good drainage. It was a 3 gal.planted in June of 2008.

Daryl, I fell in love with these palms after seeing the one that you did at Marks place, I lost my first one to weevil borers about eight years ago and the new ones I got last year are still in pots, may plant one this summer

Please post some more pics of yours please when you can

Hi Everyone, A palm that continues to impress me is Lemurophoenix halleuxii. I remember seeing a large one in nth Queensland about ten years ago, and even though it had yet to form a trunk, it was mind-blowing. That palm later grew to a large tree, but unfortunately succumbed to Cyclone Larry a few years ago. I'm sure there are other large Lemurophoenix growing in FNQ (I did see another that was also quite large). There is also a planting of them at a public park in Townsville.

I only have one growing here, but it has been a surprising grower, not a rocket ship, but not too slow either. The new leaf colour is a rusty red, and the petioles etc are a nice burgundy colour.

This palm has withstood -1C and drought, long cool winters, 44C heat, you name it. It has only ever had a few brown tips through all of this. Admittedly, It is one palm in my garden that I do water as they certainly appear to like the old H2O. They appear to like our SE QLD climate, and seem to have similar requirements to many of the large Dypsis, so I would assume if you can grow large Dypsis you can grow these. There are some nice sized plants at Utopia, and a lot of local palm enthusiasts are also growing this here.

I'm sure there are collectors growing these beauties in Hawaii, Florida, etc but I never hear any mention of them. If any of you are growing them, how do they perform in your climate?

Early morning sun on a new leaf

Petiole colour

I do not believe that they do well in Florida. Hawaii is probably the only place in the US that they would thrive in.........

Manny

MORE PICTURES!

OW, MY HEAD . . .

I agree Daryl. If you have seen a big one, you will never forget. One of those palms that no pic can do it justice.

In case you missed them. Here are some pics, including some of one that is getting rather large. http://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/Lemurophoenix_halleuxii

Any pictures of the other Lemur? The one with the smaller seed.

mine is still growing.... the last leaf about 6 foot...

I have one of each they are small and growing frustratingly slow but are in good health.The climate here in southern queensland seems to suit these beauties,as can be seen in Daryls photo.Daryl how old or more to the point, how long has it been in the ground?What size did you plant it out at?Always looking forward to seeing more shots of your palms Craig.

Bruce, I only have one more recent photo...taken a few days ago when the new leaf opened up...

Unfortunately there is too much other foliage around it to get a good overall photo. Sorry to hear that borers got yours. I have lost a few palms recently to them...mainly Pritchardia.

Manny, that is a shame, I thought they'd grow well there. There is a photo of one on Palmpedia that is credited to Christian Faulkner...perhaps it is still growing well, as the photo was dated '06.

Dean, those are great photos and you are correct, they still don't do this palm justice!

Neoflora, unfortunately I lost my dwarf Lemur last year due to 'dry pot neglect'...I should have just planted it!

BS, where's the photos?

Craig, I'm sure yours will pick up speed and start powering on, like all of your other palms! I bought mine as a 3 leaf seedling in an 8" pot at the 2003 PACSOA show. I planted it straight away in a sunny spot with a shadecloth cover to keep up humidity and avoid burn. So, it has been in the ground just over 8 years from a seedling. It is about 20ft tall to the tip of the biggest leaf. The Livistona saribus in the last photo is just forming a trunk, and is planted 3 feet above the Lemuro, just to give you an idea of the scale.

Daryl

This thread got me excited about maybe trying this palm--then I read Manny's post and came back down to Earth... If there is a photo of a marginal palm, before 2010 winter, then I would say it probably died; 2010 and the previous winter killed off a lot of flora and fauna.

I do not believe that they do well in Florida. Hawaii is probably the only place in the US that they would thrive in.........

Manny

If I lived there, I would try one(or two or as many as I could afford)--and guard it against the rogue bovine!

I have been after this palm for years. CITES I think has ended my quest for it. Critically endangered in the wild and very hard to come by. Every attempt to get this species has ended in failure. Will have to wait for Daryl's to seed.

Tyrone

I see Jungle music lists it, but I haven't decided if I've really been good enough this year (so far) to ask Santa to bring me one. Maybe if any of my relatives choose to give me a gift they could instead contribute toward my red lemur fund. Yes, it might work since they already know I'm a bit quirky, especially concerning plants. Let's see, anniversaries equal possible biennial trips and other occasions equal rare palms. No need for anyone to stress over what to get me!

I have a small one in a pot. I don't think I will ever be brave enough to plant it out. I should have a leaf opening by next week I'll take a pic of it then.

I know they have seen below frezzing temps but what about frost?

I personally know someone that grew one for years right outside of Ft Lauderdale. It grew great until a hurricane killed it.

Any pictures of mature specimens in habitat ? The ones in cultivation are pretty damn nice, but I don't think that I have seen a fully grown mature palm.

Thanks.

Manny

My one is only small but is growing steadily. I've planted it in full sun in the hope to speed it up. It has been ok through or coldest winter in 20 years. As Daryl said it seems to be similar to the big Dypsis but needs a lot more water. The young leaves have burnt a little but should toughen up to the full sun situation. The other smaller species seems to be just as cold tolerant as well. Does any one know if this is named yet.

Cheers

Brod

Not much to look at here, but it is growing noticeably. They appreciate the generous Hawaiian rain, and although it burned slightly when first planted coming out of a shadehouse, shook it off soon enough. The lowest leaf on the right in the first photo is the same one as the dead leaf on the lower right in the third photo. Each leaf that opens is substantially larger. This is the largest of three; in the February photo you can see one of the smaller Lemurs off to the left.

Upon planting, June 2010............................................... February 2011.....................................................................May 2011

......................................

Definitely one of my all time favorites! When I moved to the Big Island in 1995, these were next to impossible to find. During my first five years here, I was only able to get my hands on a total of five Lemurs, all from Kapoho Palms. After that a few more from Floribunda. In 2003 Doug Eiss, who was responsible for running Kapoho Palms for many years, came by on one of many visits. And he revealed that he had a secret stash of Lemurophoenix at the nursery! Close to 30! Wow! Fantastic news! I talked Doug into selling me 12 of them, all in 1G pots and planted them all in a group. I planted them out in full sun, and unfortunately small Lemurs don't like full sun so three of them didn't make it. But the rest are thriving and when I left my old garden, the tallest in the group was pushing 20 ft., overall height. (Sadly, Doug passed away a few years ago. He was a true palm enthusiast).

Several years later I started up the palm nursery, and at the same time I was able to acquire a number of Lemurophoenix seeds. 400 to be exact and had roughly 20% germination, which I was very happy with, so over time I ended up with about 80 Lemur seedlings. Lemur seeds are sporadic germinators. Some will germinate after a few months and others after more than a year. I grew most of them up to 5G size, and needless to say, I had no difficulties selling them. The six largest ones of all those 5G plants were moved up into 15G pots in June and August 2009. One of those six is the one that Kim planted (post above). I kept four and planted them on my new property (photos below) and the sixth one was sold to another Palm Society member here. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, one of the four I planted didn't make it, but the other three are thriving. I also have a number of smaller ones and will add those to this group of three.

These palms are quite spectacular even when they are small, and it only gets better as they add size. As has already been pointed out, they are moderately fast growers and they really seem to thrive in our high rainfall environment here in Leilani Estates.

Kim your plant is looking really good now. Unfortunately we can't grow them in California, after looking at Jeff MArcus Lemur I must say it may be the worlds most beautiful palm, just gorgeous.

Gary

This is the first I've seen, heard or read about this palm...it's spectacular! Thanks for the post.

Kim your plant is looking really good now. Unfortunately we can't grow them in California, after looking at Jeff MArcus Lemur I must say it may be the worlds most beautiful palm, just gorgeous.

Gary

Gary

Phil told me he had one growing in his yard I can't remember for how long but but I'm sure for a number of years before it was tragically killed when a nearby tree was being pruned From what I remember it had some size to it. Wish I could have seen it!

Yes it's true Jesse told me it was about 6ft tall and doing really well.

Kim your plant is looking really good now. Unfortunately we can't grow them in California, after looking at Jeff MArcus Lemur I must say it may be the worlds most beautiful palm, just gorgeous.

Gary

Yep, Gary must be right mine has been outside for a over a year now growing and pushing a new spear. So, since Gary has said so, I guess I have to kill it now.

And of course what Shon said. It was actually a "hit" on Phils because they are not allowed to grow in California.

Bill, your plant is in a pot, against your house, and went through one winter. Plant it and let's see how it goes because I am really curious.

Also, any pics recently?

Kim your plant is looking really good now. Unfortunately we can't grow them in California, after looking at Jeff MArcus Lemur I must say it may be the worlds most beautiful palm, just gorgeous.

Gary

Yep, Gary must be right mine has been outside for a over a year now growing and pushing a new spear. So, since Gary has said so, I guess I have to kill it now.

And of course what Shon said. It was actually a "hit" on Phils because they are not allowed to grow in California.

Conspiracy, I knew it!

Kim, i would love to have one that looks like yours, even when there is no new frond it's still stunning. I'll have to agree with Gary too, seeing a picture of Jeff Marcus' Lemur is absolutely jaw dropping

Question Daryl, i have 4 in the ground but have to transplant one out of the back garden bed behind the house.Do they transplant ok or are they touchy.Feel free anyone on comments about transplanting this lemuriophoenix....it's still quite small(about 200mm pot size)...cheers Mike Green(Newcal)

Don't transplant Lemur, Mike..... Don't!!!!!!

Regards, Ari

Mike, you have nothing to lose by transplanting the small one from out the back. I'm sure it will be fine if you get a large enough rootball. If you like, I will look after it for you at my place...

Daryl

Bill, your plant is in a pot, against your house, and went through one winter. Plant it and let's see how it goes because I am really curious.

Also, any pics recently?

I am curious too. All my potted palms have done better once planted. As Matty said the "potted time" here is the "torture phase" of their life. I f they survive that, life gets easier.

That being said, I think it is like several slow growing Dypsis out here. If they make it to a large 5 gal size they have a very good chance of survival when planted. The problem is how long it takes to get one to 5 gal size around here.

You know my feeling about this Bill, A palm in a pot surviving a hundred years is not equivalent to a palm living in cold native soil six months out of the year and subject to all kinds of pathogens. So like Len said, plant it and let us know in five years if it is still alive and growing, then I will try another one.

Gary

Kim your plant is looking really good now. Unfortunately we can't grow them in California, after looking at Jeff MArcus Lemur I must say it may be the worlds most beautiful palm, just gorgeous.

Gary

Yep, Gary must be right mine has been outside for a over a year now growing and pushing a new spear. So, since Gary has said so, I guess I have to kill it now.

And of course what Shon said. It was actually a "hit" on Phils because they are not allowed to grow in California.

Bill, your plant is in a pot, against your house, and went through one winter. Plant it and let's see how it goes because I am really curious.

Also, any pics recently?

I am curious too. All my potted palms have done better once planted. As Matty said the "potted time" here is the "torture phase" of their life. I f they survive that, life gets easier.

That being said, I think it is like several slow growing Dypsis out here. If they make it to a large 5 gal size they have a very good chance of survival when planted. The problem is how long it takes to get one to 5 gal size around here.

I planted some "can't grow here" types this spring. I am really curious to see how they do this winter. Fingers crossed on a few as I can't replace them!

The cake it takes. Hard to draw one up better than this. Is it possible to throw some blue rings around it's trunk?

You know my feeling about this Bill, A palm in a pot surviving a hundred years is not equivalent to a palm living in cold native soil six months out of the year and subject to all kinds of pathogens. So like Len said, plant it and let us know in five years if it is still alive and growing, then I will try another one.

Gary

Kim your plant is looking really good now. Unfortunately we can't grow them in California, after looking at Jeff MArcus Lemur I must say it may be the worlds most beautiful palm, just gorgeous.

Gary

Yep, Gary must be right mine has been outside for a over a year now growing and pushing a new spear. So, since Gary has said so, I guess I have to kill it now.

And of course what Shon said. It was actually a "hit" on Phils because they are not allowed to grow in California.

Well, I have a few of the "can't grows" in the ground.. that Highland mealybug... Orania longisquama.., are the dark mealybug and hovomantsina in that catagorey?

I'm just saying, I had no problems with my small ones in the green house over winter even during the 2007 freeze. I killed them in the spring when it would get hot in there and I let them dry out... Very similar to the slow dypsis..

Hell its all moot once the gophers chew thru those boxes anyway...

WAIT! dam! the first 2 have NO protection! -------> doomed now...

And Len, I think "shade tenting" as I think you are doing and suggested to me for my dark mealy is the key to get them going..

Couple of pics of my young ones, they are about 2 1/2 feet tall, new leaf opened today on one of them

Very Nice Bruce!!!

On 10/4/2011 at 5:21 AM, Cindy Adair said:

I do not believe that they do well in Florida. Hawaii is probably the only place in the US that they would thrive in.........

 

Manny

 

Cindy, do you have any of these planted in your garden?  I am considering acquiring a few of them.  Mark