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The Case Of The Misidentified Palm

tjwalters
tjwalters
in DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE

Featured Replies

Years ago I received some seed labeled as Archontophoenix cunninghamiana and this is what grew. Someone today suggested in might be Ptychosperma elegans based on the clipped leaflet tips. Any thoughts on what this really might be? I can provide other photos if necessary.

image.thumb.jpeg.fcef90d6ae2bcac9b62a59b004a8f418.jpeg

image.thumb.jpeg.6f2a0fa7e4724a496a31a8c5f4295ff2.jpeg

image.thumb.jpeg.ab33c8e42a08b32d8d5d56c38ae60c7f.jpeg

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Tom

Bowie, Maryland, USA - USDA z7a/b
hardiestpalms.com

    • Like 2

    To me it looks like a Ptychosperma. I can't say what species as I never really see these in-person.

    • Like 1

    Ptychosperma elegans no doubt about it. 

    • Like 3
    • Upvote 1

    I agree with the others.  The cleaned seeds of Archontophoenix cunninghamiana are spherical but cleaned seeds of Ptychosperma species are football shaped and "folded".  If you cut through a Ptychosperma seed you'll see a star shape as seen in the photo - they're very unique.  Obviously it's been awhile since you've seen the seeds you bought.  Fruits of both Archontophoenix and Ptychosperma are similar color and shape.P070366.jpg

    Jon Sunder

    • Like 2
    • Upvote 1
    • Author
    30 minutes ago, Fusca said:

    I agree with the others.  The cleaned seeds of Archontophoenix cunninghamiana are spherical but cleaned seeds of Ptychosperma species are football shaped and "folded".  If you cut through a Ptychosperma seed you'll see a star shape as seen in the photo - they're very unique.  Obviously it's been awhile since you've seen the seeds you bought.  Fruits of both Archontophoenix and Ptychosperma are similar color and shape.P070366.jpg

    Yeah, wish I could remember. I do remember they were not large - not Adonidia sized.

    Tom

    Bowie, Maryland, USA - USDA z7a/b
    hardiestpalms.com

    On 10/29/2025 at 1:36 PM, tjwalters said:

    Years ago I received some seed labeled as Archontophoenix cunninghamiana and this is what grew. Someone today suggested in might be Ptychosperma elegans based on the clipped leaflet tips. Any thoughts on what this really might be? I can provide other photos if necessary.

    image.thumb.jpeg.fcef90d6ae2bcac9b62a59b004a8f418.jpeg

    image.thumb.jpeg.6f2a0fa7e4724a496a31a8c5f4295ff2.jpeg

    image.thumb.jpeg.ab33c8e42a08b32d8d5d56c38ae60c7f.jpeg

    image.thumb.jpeg.01d5038389c0263454e220e257ab8dfd.jpeg

    It definitely looks like Ptychosperma elegans.  Is the clustering palm in the background a Ptychosperma waitianum?  

    I think I got my answer from Richard-HappyPalms, it’s a Ptychosperma burretianum.  

    • Author
    8 hours ago, Palms1984 said:

    I think I got my answer from Richard-HappyPalms, it’s a Ptychosperma burretianum.  

    Not sure what palm you're referring to. The one in front is P. elegans. (?)  The one behind is P. waitianum.

    Tom

    Bowie, Maryland, USA - USDA z7a/b
    hardiestpalms.com

    • Author
    On 11/5/2025 at 4:26 AM, Palms1984 said:

    I think I got my answer from Richard-HappyPalms, it’s a Ptychosperma burretianum.  

    According to Kew, P. burretianum is a synonym for P. waitianum.

    Tom

    Bowie, Maryland, USA - USDA z7a/b
    hardiestpalms.com

    On 10/29/2025 at 4:36 PM, tjwalters said:

    image.thumb.jpeg.fcef90d6ae2bcac9b62a59b004a8f418.jpeg

    Is that a Chamaedorea metallica in the background?

    • Author
    18 hours ago, John2468 said:

    Is that a Chamaedorea metallica in the background?

    Yes - in the  back, on the left. My tallest. I also have a few around 4' tall, and several others that are shorter.

    Tom

    Bowie, Maryland, USA - USDA z7a/b
    hardiestpalms.com

    • Like 1

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