Brassiophoenix
| Brassiophoenix | |
|---|---|
| |
| Brassiophoenix schumannii | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Subfamily: | Arecoideae
|
| Tribe: | Areceae |
| Subtribe: | Ptychospermatinae |
| Genus: | Brassiophoenix Burret[1] |
| Species | |
Brassiophoenix is a
monoecious flowering plants in the palm family found in Papua New Guinea. Of the two similar species, one is more common in cultivation and was mistakenly identified as Brassiophoenix schumannii. In 1999, Zona and Estig showed that the commonly cultivated species was instead the type species Brassiophoenix drymophoeoides. The two species are distinguished by their separated geographical locations and minor differences in fruit form.[2] The genus name is a combination of the surname Brass, honoring the first collector L.J. Brass, and Phoenix
, another palm genus.
Description
Both species grow to around 9 m (30 ft) in height on 8 cm (3.1 in) trunks culminating in 60 cm (24 in) tall, slightly bulging
Distribution and habitat
These palms grow in the mixed lowland
rain forest
of Papua New Guinea.
Cultivation
While Brassiophoenix palms are not widespread, they have been in cultivation for many years. As with many rain forest palms, they are not tolerant of full sun in youth but will withstand it in maturity. They also require generous amounts of water and a fast-draining, rich soil. Given their tropical origins they also require protection from cold when cultivated.
References
- ^ Burret, Notizblatt des Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin-Dahlem 12:345. 1935. Type: B. drymophoeoides
- ISBN 978-0-88192-558-6
- ISBN 978-0-935868-30-2