A smallish palm with a slender, solitary trunk to 3.5 m (12 ft) tall that holds an open crown of ascending, bright green, pinnate leaves that unfold in a brilliant red. The fruits are rather large and bright red, the single seed is heavily sculpted and very easy to recognize. Alsmithia is very rare in cultivation as well as in its wild habitat on the Fijian Islands of Taveuni and Vanua Levu, where only a few hundred individuals persist, growing on steep slopes in extremely wet, dense rainforest to about 500 m (1600 ft.) a.s.l. Originally described by legendary palm botanist Hal Moore as Alsmithia longipes, it has recently been transferred to the genus Heterospathe, a questionable move, despite some DNA data in support. In cultivation, Alsmithia does best in a sheltered spot in the tropics.
Palm trees can add value to your home by spicing up your landscaping and giving your yard that exquisite and vibrant tropical look. A home with a beautiful, healthy-looking yard sells faster and for more. If you’re thinking of adding palm trees to your home, here are a few tips to keep in mind that should help you get the most out of your landscaping project.
When to Plant
Don’t Plant Too Close to the House
Don’t Overcrowd In general, four factors should be considered when choosing a palm tree for your property. The first factor is the size of the tree at maturity. Remember that that little palm for sale at a local nursery might reach a height of 50 feet or more as an adult tree overpowering the rest of your property, interfering with overhead lines and underground conduits and perhaps, threatening buildings if the tree is planted too nearby. Make sure that the size of your palm at maturity is in keeping with your needs and overall landscape design.
The second factor is temperature . Most types of palm tree will not tolerate freezing weather and even a short bout of frost may weaken a tree and leave it vulnerable to insects and disease. In some, for example, the climate is simply too severe for successful palm growth. Check with your local nursery or tree expert for advice if you're unsure about growing conditions in your area.
The fourth factor is sunlight . Not all varieties of palm tree are equally sun tolerant. Some varieties, in fact, prefer shady conditions to full exposure. Keep this in mind when thinking of the kind of palm tree that would be best for you.
The final factor is water . While palm trees have long been associated with desert conditions, in the wild, they are only found near abundant and continuous supplies of water. If you are thinking about planting a palm tree on your property, make sure that the tree will receive adequate water and be prepared to water a newly transplanted tree frequently while it acclimatizes.
