Species ID needed...

[www.dadluvsu.com]

I have been perusing Home Depot again...  All the construction of the shadehouse has put me in Home Depot way more than I'd like to admit...  Tonight I just ended up there for a dimmer switch for a new light fixture and ended up buying fertilizer and an item labelled "Tropical Foliage"  It was marked down to $4.99 so I just couldn't resist...  I have seem alot of Siphokentia beguinii var. broadleaf floating around that store lately and think I may have picked up a younger specimen?  Can anyone help me to identify what I have purchased?   :laugh:

Base Detail

[pogobob]

Clue 1...Not a Palm

[www.dadluvsu.com]

Hmmmm...   Although I was secretly having that thought it is not wht I wanted to hear.  The new leaves open like a palm (new spear emerges and slowly opens) but the base looks so lettucey I had hesitations...  Anyone know?

[Gbarce]

Do you have pictures of the roots.  There are some ground orchids that sort of look like that.  

any orchid experts out there who can verify my guess?

[waykoolplantz]

It's cool...a palm imposter..put it under some palms...as an orchid it may flower...bonus  !!

[madagascarbob]

Carludovica palmata - Panama hat plant

[www.dadluvsu.com]

I did a search and found a photo of a smaller Carludovica palmata and this is what I found...  I don't think this is what I purchased....

[Darold Petty]

I also, would call this Carludovica.  Someday you will be able to make your own hat!   :cool:

[wendisplantation]

I concur- Carludovica- Looks just like the one I bought last year-RIP, got left out in the cold, killed it outright.

[Eric in Orlando]

It is Asplundia rigida, not a palm but a member of the Cyclanthaceae Family. Some believe this family is a link between the palm and aroid families. It is often sold as "Jungle Drum". Carludovica is a close relative in the same family. Both are tender below 40F.

Here is Asplundia rigida at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden;

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/ftgd200....0

[deezpalms]

Yep you have a "jungle drum" aka Carludovica palmata. I have two of them and they look just like your's. Not a palm but a great look alike and a very cool plant to add to your collection!!

[www.dadluvsu.com]

Survey says....          Carludovica palmata!

[Alan_Tampa]

I think Eric is spot on,   Carludovica palmata is rather different even at a small size.

Asplundia rigida is far more likely.

Maybe

Alan

[Jeff in St Pete]

I tried two different times to keep one growing in a pot outside on the patio when I lived in Tampa.   They each started declining in the winter and croaked after a night in the 40's.  Beautiful plant, but they hate cooler weather.  I hope you have better luck with yours!

[www.dadluvsu.com]

I think for now, to be on the safe side, I will pot this in a container...  

[The Germinator]

How about palm grass ? Curculigo capitulata  aka; Whale Back

Check it out:

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/2229/

[Johnny]

I don't think that palm grass has bifid leaves...

[www.dadluvsu.com]

I think the closest thing mentioned is the Asplundia...

[Al in Kona]

Eric is right - Asplundia.  I see these for sale in the Garden section of stores like Wal Mart, Lowe's and Home Depot here in Kona.