Licuala peltata var. 'sumawongii': A comprehensive Growing Guide for Enthusiasts & Collectors.
Licuala peltata var. 'sumawongii'
1. Introduction
Habitat and Distribution, Native Continent
Licuala peltata var. 'sumawongii' is a distinctive variety endemic to southern Thailand, specifically found in the provinces of Ranong, Phang Nga, and northern Phuket. This remarkable variety inhabits lowland rainforests from sea level to 400 meters elevation, with populations concentrated in areas of permanent high water tables, including freshwater swamps, stream margins, and seasonally flooded forest floors. The variety thrives in locations with annual rainfall of 2,500-4,000mm and shows remarkable adaptation to waterlogged conditions that would be fatal to most palms. Named after Thai botanist Sumawong who first distinguished this variety, it represents one of the most horticulturally desirable forms of L. peltata.
Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Classification
Synonyms
- Licuala peltata "Ranong form" (informal)
- Licuala sp. "Sumawong" (pre-description)
- Sometimes sold incorrectly as L. elegans
Common Names
- Sumawong's fan palm (English)
- Giant Thai fan palm (English)
- พัดสุมาวงศ์ (Thai - "phat sumawong")
- หลิกูอาลายใหญ่ (Thai - "likua lai yai" - "big patterned licuala")
- 苏玛旺扇椰子 (Chinese)
Expansion in the World
This variety has gained significant popularity in cultivation:
- Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Thailand (type locality cultivation)
- Private collections throughout Thailand
- Increasingly available internationally
- Seeds regularly offered by specialists
- Tissue culture production beginning
- High demand from collectors
- Conservation status: Vulnerable (habitat loss)
Growing availability reflects exceptional ornamental qualities and successful cultivation.
2. Biology and Physiology
Morphology
Growth Form
L. peltata var. 'sumawongii' is a solitary palm developing a massive single trunk reaching 6-10 meters in height with a diameter of 15-25cm—significantly larger than typical var. peltata. The trunk is smooth, gray-green, prominently ringed, often with a characteristic slight bulge in the middle section. The base may be slightly swollen but lacks aerial roots despite swamp habitat.
Leaves
The spectacular leaves are what distinguish this variety. Each leaf is perfectly circular to slightly oval, enormous at 150-200cm diameter—the largest of any L. peltata variety. The blade is divided into 16-20 segments, but divisions are extremely shallow, often only 10-20cm deep, creating an almost entire circular leaf. Most distinctive is the leaf pattern: dark green with irregular silver-gray mottling and veining throughout, creating a marbled effect unique among Licuala species. The petiole is massive, 200-300cm long, thick (3-4cm diameter), with larger and more numerous marginal spines than typical variety.
Inflorescence
The interfoliar inflorescence is proportionally huge, extending 150-250cm beyond the leaves. It branches to 3-4 orders with hundreds of slender rachillae creating a fountain-like display. Flowers are hermaphroditic, 4-5mm across (larger than typical), creamy white with a sweet fragrance. Flowering is prolific once mature, occurring year-round with peaks in wet season.
Fruits
Notably larger than typical variety, globose, 15-20mm diameter, ripening from green through yellow to deep orange-red. Seeds are correspondingly large with abundant flesh attractive to wildlife.
Life Cycle
This variety shows vigorous growth compared to typical L. peltata:
- Germination to Seedling (0-2 years): Faster initial growth
- Juvenile Phase (2-8 years): Characteristic mottling appears early
- Sub-adult Phase (8-15 years): Trunk development rapid
- Adult Phase (15-60+ years): Magnificent maturity
- Longevity: 80-100+ years estimated
First flowering at 12-18 years, earlier than typical variety.
Specific Adaptations to Climate Conditions
- Swamp Adaptation: Tolerates waterlogging uniquely
- Leaf Mottling: Possible adaptation to variable light
- Massive Size: Competitive advantage in swamps
- Flexible Petioles: Survives flooding currents
- Prolific Flowering: Ensures reproduction in unstable habitat
- Rapid Growth: Quickly reaches above flood levels
3. Reproduction and Propagation
Seed Reproduction
Seed Morphology and Diversity
Seeds of var. 'sumawongii' are notably larger than typical variety: globose, 12-16mm diameter, with thick endosperm and large embryo. The distinctive leaf mottling is genetically stable and appears in all seedlings. Fresh seed weight is 1.0-2.0 grams. Some variation exists in mottling intensity between individuals.
Detailed Seed Collection and Viability Testing
- Monitor for orange-red fruits
- Collect before wildlife dispersal
- Large fruits easy to spot
- Process immediately
- Float test reliable
- Large, heavy seeds sink
- Fresh viability: 90-95%
- One month: 70-80%
- Three months: 40-50%
- Six months: 10-20%
Pre-germination Treatments
- Remove abundant flesh
- Ferment 2-3 days
- Clean thoroughly
- Never dry seeds
- File gently
- Larger seeds easier to handle
- Hot water beneficial
- 30% improvement noted
- 48 hours warm water
- Seeds swell noticeably
- Change water daily
- Add fungicide
Step-by-step Germination Techniques
- Medium: 50% peat, 30% perlite, 20% coarse sand
- Container: Deep individual pots
- Planting: 3cm deep
- Temperature: 28-32°C (82-90°F)
- Humidity: 80-90%
- Light: Bright shade immediately
- Special: Can handle wetter medium
Germination Difficulty
Easy to moderate:
- Higher success than typical variety
- Vigorous germination
- Temperature important
- Fast emergence
Germination Time
- First germination: 30-60 days
- Peak germination: 60-90 days
- Complete process: 120 days
- Success rate: 80-95% if fresh
Seedling Care and Early Development
- Rapid growth notable
- Mottling visible early
- Begin feeding at 3 months
- Can handle more water
- Characteristic leaves developing
- Vigorous growth continues
- Regular fertilization
- 70% shade optimal
- Spectacular juvenile leaves
- Trunk initiation early
- Heavy feeding beneficial
- Faster than typical variety
Advanced Germination Techniques
Hormonal Treatments for Germination Enhancement
- 300-500 ppm effective
- Speeds germination
- More uniform emergence
- 24-hour soak
- Very effective
- 32°C soil temperature
- Reduces germination time
- Higher success rate
- Higher moisture tolerated
- Can germinate in standing water
- Natural adaptation
- Unique among Licuala
4. Cultivation Requirements
Light Requirements
Species-specific Light Tolerance Ranges
- Seedlings (0-2 years): 200-600 μmol/m²/s (80-90% shade)
- Juveniles (2-6 years): 600-1200 μmol/m²/s (70-80% shade)
- Sub-adults (6-12 years): 1000-1800 μmol/m²/s (50-70% shade)
- Adults: Up to 2000 μmol/m²/s (40-50% shade)
More sun tolerant than most Licuala species when mature.
Seasonal Light Variations and Management
- Can handle seasonal changes
- Protect young plants
- Adults tolerate morning sun
- Mottling more pronounced in brighter light
Artificial Lighting for Indoor Cultivation
- Moderate to bright light
- LED panels ideal
- 12-14 hours daily
- 300-500 foot-candles
Temperature and Humidity Management
Optimal Temperature Ranges
- Ideal: 25-33°C (77-91°F)
- Acceptable: 20-38°C (68-100°F)
- Minimum survival: 15°C (59°F)
- Maximum tolerance: 42°C (108°F) briefly
- Heat tolerant variety
Cold Tolerance Thresholds
- Light damage: 18°C (64°F)
- Severe damage: 15°C (59°F)
- Fatal: 10°C (50°F)
- Slightly hardier than typical
Hardiness Zone Maps
- USDA Zones: 10b-11
- Marginal in 10a
- Sunset Zones: 23-24
- European: H1a-H1b
Humidity Requirements and Modification
- Optimal: 70-85%
- Minimum: 60%
- Tolerates lower humidity than typical
- Swamp adaptation helps
Soil and Nutrition
Ideal Soil Composition and pH
pH preference: 5.5-7.0 (wide range)
Swamp-adapted mix:
- 30% quality peat
- 20% clay loam
- 20% composted bark
- 20% perlite
- 10% coarse sand
- Can handle heavy soils
Nutrient Requirements Through Growth Stages
- Begin early feeding
- 1/2 strength bi-weekly
- Vigorous growth
- NPK ratio: 5-2-4
- Weekly during growth
- Heavy feeder
- NPK ratio: 12-4-10
- Very heavy feeder
- Continuous program
- Responds dramatically
Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilization
- Composted manure excellent
- Swamp muck beneficial
- Heavy applications tolerated
- Natural habitat mimicry
- High rates tolerated
- Controlled-release plus liquid
- Complete nutrition program
- Monitor for deficiencies
Micronutrient Deficiencies and Corrections
- Iron: Monthly chelated iron
- Magnesium: High requirement
- Manganese: Regular supplementation
- Calcium: Important for size
Water Management
Irrigation Frequency and Methodology
- Extremely high water tolerance
- Can grow in standing water
- Daily watering beneficial
- Flooding tolerated
Drought Tolerance Assessment
- Poor drought tolerance
- Swamp adaptation
- Rapid decline if dry
- Constant moisture ideal
Water Quality Considerations
- Tolerates various water types
- Not salt sensitive
- pH 5.5-7.5 acceptable
- Hard water tolerated
Drainage Requirements
- Drainage optional!
- Can grow in waterlogged soil
- Unique among ornamental palms
- Adapts to conditions
5. Diseases and Pests
Common Problems in Growing
- Scale insects: Monitor regularly
- Nutrient deficiencies: High demand
- Leaf spots: In poor air circulation
- Generally vigorous and healthy
Identification of Diseases and Pests
- Fewer fungal problems (vigorous growth)
- Phytophthora resistant
- Leaf spots occasional
- Root rot rare (swamp adapted)
- Scale insects primary issue
- Mealybugs in crown
- Palm aphids occasional
- Thrips on flowers
Environmental and Chemical Protection Methods
- Vigorous growth resists problems
- Good nutrition essential
- Air circulation important
- Remove old leaves
- Systemic insecticides for scale
- Horticultural oil effective
- Fungicides rarely needed
- Biological controls preferred
6. Indoor Palm Growing
Specific Care in Housing Conditions
- Tolerates AC/heating better
- Beautiful mottled leaves
- Size manageable longer
- Conversation piece
- Bright indirect light
- High humidity beneficial
- Regular feeding crucial
- Large containers eventually
Replanting and Wintering
- Every 2 years when young
- Large containers required
- Rich, moisture-retentive medium
- Spring timing
- Maintain above 18°C (64°F)
- Keep soil moist
- Reduce feeding
- Maintain humidity
- Watch for pests
7. Landscape and Outdoor Cultivation
Garden Excellence
- Supreme specimen palm
- Water garden feature
- Tropical centerpiece
- Collector's trophy
Design Impact
- Massive architectural presence
- Unique mottled foliage
- Reflection pool plantings
- Swamp garden natural
8. Cold Climate Cultivation Strategies
Cold Hardiness
Limited cold tolerance despite vigor.
Winter Protection
- Protection below 18°C (64°F)
- Can handle brief cool spells
- Mulch heavily
- Wind protection critical
Hardiness Zone
- USDA 10b-11 standard
- Zone 10a marginal
- Greenhouse in temperate zones
Winter Protection Systems and Materials
- Temporary structures helpful
- Heat sources for cold snaps
- Maintain soil moisture
- Anti-desiccant sprays
Establishment and Maintenance in Landscapes
Planting Techniques for Success
- Can handle wet sites
- Partial shade to filtered sun
- Protection from strong winds
- Room for massive crown
- Less critical than typical
- Can handle clay
- Organic matter beneficial
- Consider pond-edge planting
- Large planting hole
- Can plant low (flood tolerance)
- Stake initially
- Heavy mulch
Long-term Maintenance Schedules
- Water monitoring (less critical)
- Growth observation
- Pest checking
- Heavy fertilization
- Deep watering (if not wet site)
- Old leaf removal
- Health assessment
- Soil enrichment
- Support checking
- Photography (document mottling)
- Offset soil level if needed
- Document unique characteristics
- Allow natural beauty
- Protect from damage
- Share with enthusiasts
Final Summary
Licuala peltata var. 'sumawongii' represents the pinnacle of ornamental development within the L. peltata complex, combining massive size, unique mottled foliage, and remarkable environmental tolerance. This Thai variety has revolutionized Licuala cultivation by offering a plant that breaks many rules of the genus—tolerating brighter light, waterlogged soils, and less than perfect conditions while maintaining spectacular beauty.
The variety's distinctive silver-mottled leaves, reaching up to 2 meters diameter, create an effect unmatched in the palm world. This unique characteristic, stable from seed, combined with vigorous growth and adaptability, has made it one of the most sought-after palms in cultivation. Its tolerance for waterlogged conditions opens possibilities for pond-side and water garden plantings impossible with other Licuala species.
Propagation is more successful than typical L. peltata, with seeds showing better longevity and higher germination rates. The rapid early growth and early appearance of characteristic mottling reward growers much sooner than most Licuala species. This vigor continues through maturity, creating massive specimens in relatively short timeframes.
For tropical and subtropical gardeners, var. 'sumawongii' offers the most achievable path to Licuala magnificence. While still requiring warmth, humidity, and protection from extreme conditions, its tolerance margins exceed other species significantly. Success brings not just another palm but a living sculpture—each enormous mottled leaf a unique work of natural art. The variety proves that within the challenging genus Licuala, selection and adaptation can produce plants of both supreme beauty and surprising garden tolerance.