BESTSELLER

High Quality Tropical Plant

Leucocasia Gigantea 'Thailand Giant'

€25.59

Get 10% OFF with code BLOG10

Start Growing Now

COLD HARDY

Fresh Seeds & High Germination

Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Needle Palm)

€9.99

Get 10% OFF with code BLOG10

Start Growing Now

EXOTIC

Elite Palm Selection

Hyophorbe lagenicaulis (Bottle Palm)

€24.90

Get 10% OFF with code BLOG10

Start Growing Now

1. Introduction

Habitat and Distribution, Native Continent

Livistona carinensis is native to the eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia, with its range extending from northeastern India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh), Bangladesh, Myanmar, southern China (Yunnan), northern Thailand, Laos, and northern Vietnam. This distinctive fan palm inhabits seasonally dry forests and savanna-like habitats from near sea level to 1,500 meters elevation, with most populations occurring between 300-900 meters. It thrives in areas with a pronounced monsoonal climate, experiencing 1,200-2,500mm annual rainfall with a distinct 4-6 month dry season. The species often grows on limestone outcrops and well-drained slopes, frequently in association with dipterocarp forests and in areas subject to periodic fires.

Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Classification

Synonyms

• Wissmannia carinensis Chiov. (basionym, 1932)
• Livistona cochinchinensis auct. non (Blume) Mart.
• Livistona speciosa auct. non Kurz
• Livistona jenkinsiana auct. non Griff.

Common Names

• English: Bankoang palm
• English: Kho palm
• Thai: ตาลโตนด (taan toht)
• Bengali: পাটি তাল (pati tal)
• Vietnamese: Cọ lá
• Chinese: 龙鳞葵 (lóng lín kuí - "dragon scale sunflower")

Expansion in the World

L. carinensis has gained popularity in cultivation:

• Common in Southeast Asian gardens
• Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Florida
• Increasing in Mediterranean climates
• Private collections worldwide
• Regularly available from palm nurseries
• Seeds commonly offered
• IUCN Red List status: Not assessed (widespread)

Its drought tolerance and architectural form drive cultivation interest. The species has proven adaptable to various climates within its hardiness range, performing particularly well in areas with distinct seasons.

2. Biology and Physiology

Morphology

Trunk

L. carinensis develops a solitary, robust trunk reaching 10-25 meters in height with a diameter of 20-35cm. The trunk is distinctive gray-brown, marked with closely spaced ring scars and often retaining persistent leaf bases on the upper portion. A unique feature is the slightly swollen base and the tendency for the trunk to show a subtle curve. Young palms often have a skirt of dead leaves that creates a distinctive appearance.

Leaves

The crown consists of 25-40 costapalmate (fan-shaped with a costa) leaves forming a full, rounded canopy. Individual leaves measure 1.5-2.5 meters across, divided to about half their length into 60-80 segments. Each segment is bifid (split) at the tip with characteristic drooping points. The petiole is 1-2 meters long, armed along the margins with robust, curved black spines up to 2cm long. Leaves are bright green above, distinctly glaucous (blue-gray waxy) below.

Costa

A distinguishing feature is the prominent costa (midrib extension) that extends 20-40cm into the blade, giving the leaves a distinctive folded appearance. This character helps separate it from similar species.

Flower Systems

L. carinensis is hermaphroditic with massive, branched inflorescences emerging among the leaves. The inflorescence can reach 2-3 meters long, with 4-5 orders of branching. Flowers are small (3-4mm), cream to pale yellow, borne in clusters along the rachillae. Each flower contains both functional male and female parts. Flowering typically occurs at the end of the dry season (March-May in most of range), with mass flowering events in populations.

Life Cycle

L. carinensis has a moderate to long life cycle:

• Germination to Seedling (0-3 years): Slow establishment
• Juvenile Phase (3-15 years): Trunk development begins
• Sub-adult Phase (15-30 years): Rapid height growth
• Adult Phase (30-100+ years): Full size and regular reproduction
• Longevity: Estimated 150-200 years

First flowering typically occurs at 20-30 years or when trunk reaches 5-8 meters.

Specific Adaptations to Climate Conditions

• Drought Tolerance: Deep taproot and waxy leaves conserve water during dry seasons
• Fire Resistance: Protected growing point, thick trunk bark, and leaf skirt shield from periodic burns
• Monsoon Adaptation: Flowering timed with end of dry season for optimal pollination and seed dispersal
• Wind Resistance: Flexible petioles and segmented leaves reduce wind damage
• Temperature Extremes: Tolerates seasonal variations from near-freezing to very hot
• Poor Soil Tolerance: Efficient nutrient uptake allows growth on limestone and degraded soils

3. Reproduction and Propagation

Seed Reproduction

Seed Morphology and Diversity

L. carinensis produces globose to ovoid fruits, 1.5-2.5cm diameter, ripening from green through orange to glossy black or dark purple. The epicarp is thin and smooth; the mesocarp is fleshy and fibrous; the endocarp is thin. Each fruit contains a single large seed, 1.2-1.8cm diameter, with homogeneous endosperm and a lateral embryo. Fresh seed weight ranges from 1.5-3.5 grams. Significant variation exists in fruit size and color between populations.

Detailed Seed Collection and Viability Testing

Collection Methods:

• Monitor for color change to dark purple/black
• Collect fresh fallen fruits daily
• Use nets or tarps under trees
• Process within one week

Viability Testing:

• Float test: Viable seeds generally sink
• Visual inspection: Plump, heavy seeds
• Cut test: White, firm endosperm
• Fresh viability: 85-95%
• Storage: Orthodox behavior
• 6 months at room temperature: 60-70%
• 1 year cool storage: 50-60%
• Long-term storage possible at low temperature

Pre-germination Treatments

Fruit Processing:

• Remove all fruit flesh
• Clean thoroughly
• Air dry for 24-48 hours
• Can store cleaned seeds

Scarification:

• File or sand the seed coat
• Hot water soak: 80°C for 5 minutes
• Helps speed germination
• Not essential but beneficial

Soaking:

• 24-48 hours in warm water
• Change water daily
• Seeds may swell slightly

Step-by-step Germination Techniques

1. Medium: 50% peat, 50% perlite or coarse sand
2. Container: Deep pots (15cm+) or beds
3. Planting: 2-3cm deep, pointed end up
4. Temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F) optimal
5. Humidity: 60-80%
6. Light: Can germinate in full sun
7. Moisture: Keep moist but not waterlogged

Germination Difficulty

Germination Time

• First germination: 30-60 days
• Peak germination: 60-90 days
• Complete process: 120-150 days
• Success rate: 70-90%

Seedling Care and Early Development

First year:

• Can tolerate full sun immediately
• Begin feeding at 3 months
• Growth initially slow
• Deep taproot develops

Years 2-3:

• Increase container size
• Regular fertilization
• Can plant out at 2 years
• Drought tolerance developing

Years 4-5:

• Trunk initiation
• Adult leaf characteristics
• Full sun preferred
• Minimal care needed

Advanced Germination Techniques

Hormonal Treatments for Germination Enhancement

Gibberellic Acid (GA3):

• 250-500 ppm effective
• 24-hour soak
• 20-30% faster germination
• More uniform emergence

Smoke Water:

• Very effective for this species
• 1:100 dilution
• Natural fire adaptation
• 30-40% improvement

Combined Treatment:

• Scarification + smoke water
• Best results
• 85-95% germination
• Faster emergence

4. Cultivation Requirements

Light Requirements

Species-specific Light Tolerance Ranges

• Seedlings (0-1 year): 1000-2200 μmol/m²/s (50% shade to full sun)
• Juveniles (1-5 years): 1500-2200+ μmol/m²/s (light shade to full sun)
• Sub-adults (5-15 years): Full sun preferred (2200+ μmol/m²/s)
• Adults: Full sun required for best growth

Very sun-tolerant from early age.

Seasonal Light Variations and Management

• Handles seasonal changes well
• No shade needed after establishment
• More sun equals faster growth
• Can tolerate some shade but grows slowly

Artificial Lighting for Indoor Cultivation

• High light requirements
• Not ideal for indoor growth
• Needs HID or strong LED
• Minimum 14-hour photoperiod

Temperature and Humidity Management

Optimal Temperature Ranges

• Ideal: 25-35°C (77-95°F)
• Acceptable: 10-42°C (50-108°F)
• Minimum survival: -2°C (28°F) brief
• Maximum tolerance: 45°C (113°F)
• Wide temperature tolerance

Cold Tolerance Thresholds

• Light damage: 0°C (32°F)
• Severe damage: -2°C (28°F)
• Fatal: -5°C (23°F)
• Brief frost tolerated when established

Hardiness Zone Maps

• USDA Zones: 9a-11
• Marginal in 8b with protection
• Sunset Zones: 13-17, 19-24
• European: H3-H2

Humidity Requirements and Modification

• Optimal: 40-70%
• Minimum tolerable: 20%
• Very drought-tolerant
• Low humidity tolerance good

Soil and Nutrition

Ideal Soil Composition and pH

• pH preference: 6.0-8.0 (wide tolerance)
• Native soil adaptation:
  • Tolerates limestone soils
  • Handles poor, rocky soils
  • Adapts to various types
• Ideal mix for cultivation:
  • 40% loam
  • 30% coarse sand
  • 20% compost
  • 10% perlite

Nutrient Requirements Through Growth Stages

Seedlings (0-2 years):

• Light feeding monthly
• Balanced fertilizer
• 1/2 strength

Juveniles (2-10 years):

• NPK ratio: 8-2-8+Mg
• Monthly in growing season
• Full strength

Adults (10+ years):

• NPK ratio: 12-4-8
• Quarterly application
• Heavy feeder when growing

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilization

Organic Program:

• Well-aged manure excellent
• Compost mulch beneficial
• Bone meal for phosphorus
• Natural slow release

Synthetic Program:

• Palm special formulations
• Controlled-release ideal
• Micronutrients important
• Avoid lawn fertilizers

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Corrections

• Manganese: Common deficiency ("frizzletop") - manganese sulfate foliar spray
• Magnesium: Older leaf yellowing - Epsom salts
• Iron: New leaf chlorosis - chelated iron
• Boron: Distorted new growth - borax solution

Water Management

Irrigation Frequency and Methodology

• Drought-tolerant once established
• Deep, infrequent watering best
• Increase during growth season
• Reduce in cool months

Drought Tolerance Assessment

Water Quality Considerations

• Tolerates poor water quality
• Handles moderate salinity
• Alkaline water acceptable
• Not fussy about water

Drainage Requirements

• Good drainage preferred
• Tolerates occasional flooding
• Avoid constant wet feet
• Raised planting in clay soils

5. Diseases and Pests

Common Problems in Growing

• Manganese deficiency: Most common issue
• Palm weevils: In endemic areas
• Scale insects: Occasional
• Generally very healthy

Identification of Diseases and Pests

Nutrient Issues:

• Frizzletop: Manganese deficiency
• Yellow older leaves: Magnesium
• Stunted growth: General deficiency

Pest Problems:

• Red palm weevil: Serious where present
• Palmetto weevil: Attacks stressed palms
• Scale insects: White or brown
• Generally pest-free

Diseases:

• Ganoderma butt rot: In old palms
• Leaf spots: Minor in humid conditions
• Root rot: Only in waterlogged soil
• Very disease-resistant

Environmental and Chemical Protection Methods

Cultural Prevention:

• Proper nutrition prevents most issues
• Good drainage essential
• Remove old fronds carefully
• Monitor for weevils

Chemical Controls:

• Manganese sulfate for frizzletop
• Systemic insecticides for weevils
• Horticultural oil for scales
• Minimal pesticide needs

6. Indoor Palm Growing

Specific Care in Housing Conditions

Challenges Indoors:

• High light requirements
• Large ultimate size
• Low humidity tolerance helps
• Better for conservatories

If Attempted:

• Maximum light essential
• Large containers needed
• Regular feeding important
• Air circulation crucial

Replanting and Wintering

Replanting Schedule:

• Young palms: Every 2 years
• Mature palms: Every 3-5 years
• Spring timing best
• Large containers eventually

Winter Care:

• Reduce watering 50%
• Stop fertilization
• Maintain above 10°C (50°F)
• Maximum light exposure
• Watch for scale insects

7. Landscape and Outdoor Cultivation

Landscape Value

• Excellent specimen palm
• Drought garden feature
• Street tree potential
• Tropical to subtropical accent

Design Applications

• Single specimen dramatic
• Group plantings effective
• Large spaces needed
• Pairs for formal entries

8. Cold Climate Cultivation Strategies

Cold Hardiness

Winter Protection

• Hardy to light frost when mature
• Protect young plants below 0°C
• Wrap trunk in extreme cold
• Mulch heavily

Hardiness Zone

• USDA 9a-11 reliable
• Zone 8b possible with protection
• Microclimate important

Winter Protection Systems and Materials

For Marginal Areas:

• Trunk wrapping with burlap
• Heat cables for extreme events
• Antitranspirant sprays
• Wind protection critical

Establishment and Maintenance in Landscapes

Planting Techniques for Success

Site Selection:

• Full sun essential
• Well-drained location
• Protection from cold winds
• Allow for 10m+ height

Soil Preparation:

• Wide planting hole
• Amend heavy clay
• Add organic matter
• Ensure drainage

Planting Process:

• Plant at same depth
• Water thoroughly
• Stake if needed
• Mulch well

Long-term Maintenance Schedules

Monthly (Growing Season):

• Deep watering if dry
• Fertilizer application
• Pest monitoring

Quarterly:

• Comprehensive feeding
• Remove dead fronds
• Check for deficiencies

Annually:

• Major fertilization
• Soil testing
• Health assessment
• Photo documentation

Minimal Maintenance Overall:

• Very self-sufficient
• Drought-tolerant
• Pest-resistant
• Natural beauty