What happened to my Clinostigma?

[Matt in OC]

It was growing well for several years in shade and was through the canopy. All of a sudden, old leaves started to dry up and die. In a matter of weeks, only the spear was left and the crown shaft collapsed. 
 

As far as I could tell it was still getting the same water and everything. Any ideas what happened? 

[Jim in Los Altos]

I’ had this happen to two Clinostigma species. I think they just need lots more heat than coastal CA can provide. 

[BayAndroid]

Awww, that's sad. Sorry for your loss. 

[Matt in OC]

2 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

I’ had this happen to two Clinostigma species. I think they just need lots more heat than coastal CA can provide. 

Thanks Jim. Surprisingly that this happened in the Summer. 

[Merlyn]

The discoloration is typical of a Thielaviopsis fungal infection.  If it's clean pale white down lower in the trunk then that's a good possibility.  I had a 15' trunk Queen die rapidly in a similar manner.  The top 2-3 feet were blotchy brown and tan, and transitioned to clean light white/tan by about 5' down.  The other clue that makes me think Thielaviopsis is the stringy fibers left behind, with the water carrying tissues seemingly destroyed.  Obviously this isn't a diagnosis, just a guess.   

[Tracy]

4 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

I think they just need lots more heat than coastal CA can provide. 

I seem to be having success with the two I have planted.  One was planted some time shortly before the summer of 2009 in my Carlsbad garden.  As it grew I decided I needed one here in Leucadia, I had to remove a Caryota that had flowered here in Leucadia, so popped in a Clinostigma savoryanum here too.  First photo is the 2009 Carlsbad.

I don't get a lot of heat in either garden, but definitely more in Carlsbad than here in Leucadia.  I did dig out a lot of clay and amend where I planted the one in Carlsbad, and have very fast draining sandy soil here in Leucadia.  They seem to be tolerating both. 

[Tracy]

8 minutes ago, Tracy said:

Here is the same Clinostigma 16 years later.

[Harry’s Palms]

A very nice looking medium sized palm . I can see the attraction to wanting this in a collection. Jim having trouble with two would be a red flag for me ( our climates are similar ). Like a few palms that I have had temporary success with and then epic fail , it is frustrating . Especially when it is hit or miss , some are just like that. I have had palms grow well for ten years or more and then just fade and eventually die. I have figured out ( in retrospect ) what I did wrong on a couple after the fact , but others ….no clue. Harry

[Jim in Los Altos]

19 hours ago, Matt in OC said:

Thanks Jim. Surprisingly that this happened in the Summer. 

Mine looked healthy too and suddenly collapsed in the summer. Probably something that started in the winter though I’m assuming.