My Golden Adonidia merrilliis & New Yellow Leaves

[PalmatierMeg]

I have 4 Golden Adonidia merrilliis planted  in my back yard jungle and a couple small ones in pots on the lanai. This mutation of the standard green Adonidia has yellow-green leaves, bright yellow crownshaft, petiole and rachis. It also produces new leaves that are bright yellow before changing to yellowish green. The golden mutation results in compromised chlorophyll and is not at all beneficial to the palm. As a result golden Adonidias have difficulty photosynthesizing and are more fragile, vulnerable and slower growing than normal. They are also prone to sun damage so I keep mine in mostly shade. Growth that green Adonidias produce in a season can take years for a golden Adonidia to accomplish. The survival rate for young Goldens is far lower. I was having trouble getting several of mine to grow in pots, so several years ago I decided to let them take their chances in the ground. They have been much happier and have grown happily at their reduced rate. This spring I bought a trunking golden Adonidia in Naples from Jeff Searle before he retired. I had it in the ground within 24 hours. Today I noticed my two smallest young palms were throwing bright yellow new leaves. You may think they look sickly but they are healthy and happy in their shady oasis.

Small Golden Adonidia merrillii - new yellow leaves

Medium Golden Adonidia merrillii

Trunking Golden Adonidia merrillii with new yellow spear

 

[OC2Texaspalmlvr]

As usual Meg very well grown palms. Prolly just as exciting to see these fronds pop as some Chambeyronia 

T J 

[D. Morrowii]

Wow! Those are something!