I discovered Hydriastele beguinii (earlier Syphokentia beguinii) in Thabit's garden, and want them in Doranakanda garden, it grows fast!

In november 2010:

In august 2012:

In april 2013:

Can some other Palmtalk member show his Hydriastele? H. beguinii and others, I love this genus!

Ive learnt lately these are surprisingly cold/drought tolerant (for a hydriastele). Theres one growing at palms for Brisbane that survived our drought and sub tropical conditions. Its well over 10 foot tall.

I know it's still somewhat juvenile, but the undivided leaves make me think of the Obe Island form. Nice palm! They do quite well for us in Key West, Fl. I'll post some pics later.

What a fabulous palm. Unique shape, reasonably cold hardy, fast growing, no nutritional issues & one of my favorites.

I have a few Hydrastele... but not all Hydrastele is created equal... HUGE genus...

I have three growing fine through several winters with no issues. Gets close to 0 C each winter.

I have no idea if I've posted these before. These are all the photos of this genus I took on my visit to PR a month ago. Hover for names. I hope nothing has fallen on them and that the cows next door haven't eaten them!

Thanks for the H. beguinii photos! Someday maybe mine will grow that big if I'm lucky.

So these aren't Obi's. Mid forms?

Those are really nice, mid sized palms. They are so tidy and elegant. I've got some 'Obi Island' babies that should go in the ground

later this year.

Dan, what is a 'mid form'?

Tim and Dan,

What is "Obi's" and "Mid Form"? some Palmtalk members?

Philippe, I believe Obi Island form is an entire leaf variant that retains this chacteristic as it matures. I've never heard of

a 'mid form.

I'll post a few pic of my little ones later.

Tim

Tim,

Thank you,

Obi's must be a very interesting form, do some nurseries select this form? Can we get seeds?

Philippe, Obi island form is available thru Floribunda Palms. I think he has seedlings available.

aloha

Mid-form meaning not completely pinnate or completely undivided, similar to the one in the first post. Heres one of mine which appears to be heavily divided compared to yours. Just variability in the sp?

Thank you Dan,

Wonderful pics and nice palm! how old is it?

I know your garden is very rich and beautifully designed, can you post some new pics?

regards

Philippe

Philippe, here is a photo of a couple of my H. beguinii 'Obi Island' form. Really beautiful at this stage with a nice

faint mottling. They are really starting to grow and as I said earlier, they will go into the ground soon.

Dan, here's a pic of what I acquired as H. beguinii and it has gone quite pinnate. The one thing I've noticed about

this palm is the dark coloration on the crown shaft. (I must be reading too much Aussie posts, I wanted to put a 'u' in

coloration.) Very dark green with purple margins at the base of the leaf sheaths.

This one is four years from a small cone and is really starting to show significant growth.

'Obi Island'

Great pictures all. Love those obi island forms. Haha Tim. Im doing the opposite lately

My Obi island is now taller than me... I love it.... they are tough.... I have another one to plant still.... hhhmmmm...

Lucky you Ari. You must have a great collection up there with all the pinangas etc.

A few... not as much as I would like though...