1. Introduction

Habitat and Distribution

Licuala cabalionii is one of the newest species in the genus, endemic to the island of Palawan in the Philippines. This recently described palm (2012) has an extremely restricted distribution, known only from a small area in southern Palawan, specifically in the municipalities of Bataraza and Rizal. It inhabits lowland ultramafic forests between 50-400 meters elevation, growing exclusively on serpentine-derived soils with high concentrations of heavy metals.

Native Continent

Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Classification

Synonyms

• No synonyms (recently described)
• Previously undescribed in collections
• Specimens labeled as "Licuala sp. nov. Palawan"

Common Names

• English: Cabalion's fan palm
• English: Palawan ultramafic licuala
• Chinese: 卡巴利昂轴榈
• Local names: No established names yet

The species is named after Filipino botanist Danilo Cabalion who first brought it to scientific attention.

Expansion in the World

L. cabalionii is essentially unknown in cultivation:

• Botanical Gardens: Not present in any collections
• Private Collections: A few plants with original collectors only
• Commercial Cultivation: Never offered commercially
• Research Programs: No documented cultivation outside Palawan
• IUCN Red List status: Not yet assessed (likely Critically Endangered)

Extreme rarity and recent discovery limit all cultivation attempts.

2. Biology and Physiology

Morphology

Growth Form

L. cabalionii is a small, solitary palm reaching only 1-3 meters in total height, making it one of the smallest species in the genus. The trunk is subterranean or barely emergent, rarely exceeding 30cm above ground and 3-5cm in diameter. When visible, the trunk is covered with persistent leaf bases and dense brown fibers. This diminutive stature appears to be an adaptation to the harsh ultramafic environment.

Leaves

The leaves are the most distinctive feature, nearly circular, 25-40cm in diameter (exceptionally small for Licuala), divided to the base into 4-6 broad wedge-shaped segments. The segments are unique in being thick and leathery with a distinctive glaucous (blue-gray waxy) coating on both surfaces. Segment tips are truncate to shallowly praemorse with minimal teeth. The petioles are short for the genus, only 30-60cm long, slender, with few to no marginal spines. New leaves emerge with an intense silvery-blue color.

Crown

A mature plant carries only 5-10 leaves, forming a compact, elegant crown. The thick, waxy leaves and compact habit give the plant a sculptural quality unique among Licualas. The glaucous coating is most intense in full sun, becoming more green in shade.

Flower Systems

L. cabalionii is hermaphroditic with short interfoliar inflorescences that barely extend beyond the leaves. The unbranched or sparsely branched inflorescence is only 15-30cm long, the shortest in the genus. Flowers are small (2mm), white to cream, arranged in loose clusters. Flowering appears highly seasonal, coinciding with the onset of rains after the dry season. The compact inflorescence remains largely hidden within the crown.

Life Cycle

L. cabalionii has an extended life cycle despite its small size:

• Germination to Seedling (0-3 years): Extremely slow growth
• Juvenile Phase (3-10 years): Gradual leaf development
• Sub-adult Phase (10-20 years): Approaching mature size
• Adult Phase (20-60+ years): Reproductive maturity
• Longevity: Unknown but likely substantial

First flowering estimated at 15-20 years based on related species.

Specific Adaptations to Climate Conditions

• Ultramafic Tolerance: Extreme heavy metal adaptation
• Glaucous Coating: Reflects heat and reduces water loss
• Compact Size: Reduces resource needs
• Thick Leaves: Drought adaptation
• Minimal Trunk: Protection from fire
• Deep Roots: Access to water in dry season

3. Reproduction and Propagation

Seed Reproduction

Seed Morphology and Diversity

L. cabalionii produces the smallest fruits in the genus, globose, only 6-10mm diameter, ripening from green to orange to deep red. The exocarp is thin and smooth; mesocarp is minimal; endocarp is relatively thick for the fruit size. Seeds are tiny, spherical, 4-6mm diameter, with homogeneous endosperm. Fresh seed weight is only 0.1-0.2 grams. No genetic diversity studies exist, but the restricted range suggests low diversity.

Detailed Seed Collection and Viability Testing

Pre-germination Treatments

Step-by-step Germination Techniques

Germination Difficulty

Germination Time

Completely unknown - estimates based on size:

• Possibly 30-90 days
• Could be much longer
• Irregular germination likely

Seedling Care and Early Development

Advanced Germination Techniques

4. Cultivation Requirements

Light Requirements

Species-specific Light Tolerance Ranges

Seasonal Light Variations and Management

• Dry season sun tolerance observed
• Wet season cloudier in habitat
• Likely adaptable to light changes
• Color varies with exposure

Artificial Lighting for Indoor Cultivation

Temperature and Humidity Management

Optimal Temperature Ranges

Cold Tolerance Thresholds

Hardiness Zone Maps

• USDA Zones: 11 likely required
• Zone 10b possibly marginal
• No cultivation data

Humidity Requirements and Modification

• Moderate to high assumed
• Drought adaptation present
• 60-80% likely optimal
• Seasonal variation natural

Soil and Nutrition

Ideal Soil Composition and pH