1. Introduction

Habitat and Distribution, Native Continent

Licuala bayana is endemic to the Philippines, specifically found on Palawan Island and nearby smaller islands including Balabac and the Calamian group. This rare palm inhabits lowland and hill forests from sea level to 600 meters elevation, with highest populations in ultramafic forests on serpentine soils. It thrives in areas with 2,000-3,000mm annual rainfall and a pronounced dry season from December to May. The species shows remarkable adaptation to harsh ultramafic conditions where many other plants cannot survive. L. bayana is particularly abundant in the forests of central and southern Palawan, often growing on steep slopes with excellent drainage. The name "bayana" derives from a local Tagbanua word for this palm.

Native range: Palawan and associated islands, Philippines
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Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Classification

Synonyms

• Previously included in L. spinosa complex
• Misidentified as L. spinosa var. philippinensis
• Sometimes confused with L. merrillii

Common Names

• Bayan fan palm (English)
• Palawan fan palm (English)
• Anibong (Tagbanua)
• Banay (local Palawan)
• 巴延轴榈 (Chinese)

Expansion in the World

L. bayana remains rare in cultivation:

• Manila Botanical Garden (conservation specimens)
• Singapore Botanic Gardens (recent acquisition)
• Private collections in Philippines and Thailand
• Very rarely offered commercially
• Seeds occasionally available from collectors
• Increasing interest among specialists
• IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable

Limited cultivation reflects recent recognition as distinct species and habitat threats.

2. Biology and Physiology

Morphology

Growth Form

L. bayana is a robust clustering palm forming dense clumps of 8-25 stems. Individual stems reach 4-8 meters in height with diameters of 5-10cm, making it one of the larger clustering Licualas. The stems are covered with persistent fibrous leaf bases in the upper portions, becoming smooth and gray-brown below with prominent ring scars every 5-10cm.

Leaves

The spectacular leaves are nearly circular, 80-120cm in diameter (among the largest in the genus), divided to about half their radius into 16-24 broad segments. Each segment is further split at the tips into 3-5 shallow lobes with praemorse (jagged) ends. The leaves are bright glossy green above, paler below with scattered brown scales. A distinctive feature is the metallic sheen on new leaves. Petioles are robust, 100-150cm long, armed with formidable black spines up to 15mm long along the margins.

Distinctive Features

• Large leaf size
• Metallic sheen on new growth
• Robust clustering
• Thick, spiny petioles
• Ultramafic tolerance

Inflorescence

Interfoliar, emerging between leaves and often exceeding them in length. The inflorescence is much-branched (to 4 orders), 100-150cm long, creating a spectacular display. The main axis is thick and pendulous when in fruit.

Flowers

Hermaphroditic, small (3-4mm), creamy white to pale yellow, densely arranged along the ultimate branches. Flowering is seasonal, concentrated at the start of the rainy season (May-June). The flowers are sweetly fragrant, especially in evening.

Fruits

Globose to ovoid, 12-18mm diameter (large for genus), ripening from green through orange to deep red. The fruits are produced in great abundance, with a single infructescence bearing hundreds of fruits.

Life Cycle

L. bayana shows vigorous growth once established:

• Germination to Seedling (0-2 years): Slow initial phase
• Juvenile Phase (2-6 years): Clustering begins
• Sub-adult Phase (6-12 years): Rapid stem multiplication
• Adult Phase (12-60+ years): Heavy fruiting
• Longevity: Individual stems 40-50 years

First flowering at 10-15 years on stems 3-4 meters tall.

Specific Adaptations to Climate Conditions

• Ultramafic Tolerance: Thrives on toxic serpentine soils
• Drought Resistance: Survives 4-5 month dry season
• Metallic Sheen: Possible heavy metal tolerance indicator
• Deep Roots: Access water in dry periods
• Robust Structure: Withstands typhoons
• Prolific Fruiting: Compensates for harsh conditions

3. Reproduction and Propagation

Seed Reproduction

Seed Morphology and Diversity

L. bayana produces relatively large globose seeds, 10-14mm diameter, with a smooth brown testa marked by a prominent hilum. The endosperm is homogeneous and very hard. Fresh seed weight is 0.8-1.5 grams. Significant variation exists in fruit size and seed number between populations, with ultramafic populations showing distinct characteristics.

Detailed Seed Collection and Viability Testing

Collection Methods:

• Abundant fruiting aids collection
• Collect when deep red
• Hornbills indicate ripeness
• Large quantities available

Viability Testing:

• Float test very reliable
• Heavy seeds superior
• Fresh viability: 85-95%
• One month: 70-80%
• Three months: 40-50%
• Six months: 10-20%

Pre-germination Treatments

Fruit Processing:

• Thick pulp requires fermentation
• Soak 3-5 days
• Clean thoroughly
• Seeds very hard

Scarification:

• Essential for good germination
• File through thick testa
• Focus on hilum end
• Hot water: 80°C for 10 minutes

Soaking:

• 48-72 hours after scarification
• Change water daily
• Add fungicide

Step-by-step Germination Techniques

1. Medium: 40% sand, 30% peat, 20% perlite, 10% charcoal
2. Container: Deep pots essential
3. Planting: 2cm deep
4. Temperature: 28-32°C (82-90°F)
5. Humidity: 80-90%
6. Light: Moderate shade (60-70%)
7. Special: Bottom heat beneficial

Germination Difficulty

Moderate to difficult:

• Hard seed coat challenging
• Long germination period
• Temperature sensitive
• Patience required

Germination Time

• First germination: 60-120 days
• Peak germination: 120-180 days
• Complete process: up to 300 days
• Success rate: 60-80% with treatment

Seedling Care and Early Development

Year 1:

• Very slow initial growth
• Maintain high humidity
• First leaves often entire
• Deep shade essential

Years 2-3:

• Growth rate increases
• Characteristic leaves appear
• Begin light feeding
• Can reduce shade slightly

Years 4-5:

• Clustering may begin
• Increase fertilization
• More sun tolerance
• Transplant to larger containers

Division Propagation

Moderately Successful:

• Best in early rainy season
• Take divisions with good roots
• High humidity during establishment
• 70-80% success rate

Advanced Germination Techniques

Hormonal Treatments for Germination Enhancement

Gibberellic Acid (GA3):

• 500-1000 ppm beneficial
• 48-hour soak after scarification
• 30-40% improvement
• Reduces germination time

Smoke Water:

• Very effective for this species
• Mimics natural fires
• 1:50 dilution
• 24-hour treatment

Ultramafic Soil Extract:

• Experimental approach
• May contain beneficial microbes
• Add to germination medium
• Research ongoing

4. Cultivation Requirements

Light Requirements

Species-specific Light Tolerance Ranges

• Seedlings (0-3 years): 300-800 μmol/m²/s (70-80% shade)
• Juveniles (3-6 years): 800-1500 μmol/m²/s (50-60% shade)
• Sub-adults (6-12 years): 1500-2000 μmol/m²/s (30-40% shade)
• Adults: Can tolerate full sun in humid conditions

Surprisingly sun-tolerant when mature.

Seasonal Light Variations and Management

• Adapts to seasonal changes
• More sun in rainy season
• Protect during dry season
• Morning sun preferred

Artificial Lighting for Indoor Cultivation

• Bright light needed
• Metal halide or LED
• 14-hour photoperiod
• 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: 12°C (54°F)
• Maximum tolerance: 42°C (108°F)

Heat tolerant species.

Cold Tolerance Thresholds

• Light damage: 15°C (59°F)
• Severe damage: 12°C (54°F)
• Fatal: 8°C (46°F)
• Some cold resistance

Hardiness Zone Maps

• USDA Zones: 10a-11
• Marginal in 9b
• Sunset Zones: 22-24
• European: H2

Humidity Requirements and Modification

• Optimal: 65-85%
• Minimum: 50%
• Drought period adaptation
• Less demanding when established

Soil and Nutrition

Ideal Soil Composition and pH

pH preference: 5.5-7.5 (wide range)

Standard Mix:

• 30% coarse sand
• 25% coconut coir
• 20% perlite
• 15% pine bark
• 10% charcoal

Nutrient Requirements Through Growth Stages

Seedlings (0-3 years):

• Light feeding only
• 1/4 strength monthly
• Avoid overfeeding

Juveniles (3-6 years):

• NPK ratio: 5-2-4
• Monthly application
• Still moderate needs

Adults (6+ years):

• NPK ratio: 10-5-12
• Bi-weekly in growth season
• Can handle higher rates

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilization

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Corrections

• Magnesium: Often elevated needs
• Iron: Despite ultramafic origin
• Nickel: May actually benefit
• Avoid excess calcium

Water Management

Irrigation Frequency and Methodology

• Moderate to high needs in growth
• Allow drying in dormant season
• Deep, infrequent watering
• Mimics natural cycles

Drought Tolerance Assessment

• Good drought tolerance
• Survives 3-4 month dry periods
• Leaves fold to conserve water
• Recovery rapid

Water Quality Considerations

• Tolerates poor water
• High magnesium okay
• Low calcium preferred
• pH flexible

Drainage Requirements

• Excellent drainage critical
• No waterlogging tolerance
• Raised beds ideal
• Coarse mulch helpful

5. Diseases and Pests

Common Problems in Growing

• Leaf spots: In high humidity
• Scale insects: Common issue
• Nutrient imbalances: From wrong soil
• Root problems: Poor drainage

Identification of Diseases and Pests

Pest Issues:

• Coconut scale: White masses
• Red palm weevil: Where present
• Mealybugs: In crown
• Leaf miners: Occasional

Diseases:

• Pestalotiopsis: Gray spots
• Phytophthora: Root rot
• Bacterial leaf streak: Rare
• Generally robust species

Environmental and Chemical Protection Methods

Cultural Focus:

• Proper drainage prevents most issues
• Good air circulation
• Natural resistance high
• Minimal intervention

If Needed:

• Neem oil for pests
• Copper fungicides
• Systemic as last resort
• Biological controls preferred

6. Indoor Palm Growing

Specific Care in Housing Conditions

If Attempted:

• Maximum light essential
• Large containers
• Regular feeding
• Watch for spider mites

Replanting and Wintering

Replanting Needs:

• Every 2-3 years
• Large containers required
• Spring timing
• Handle spines carefully

Winter Care:

• Maintain above 15°C (59°F)
• Reduce watering 60%
• Stop fertilizing
• Maximum light
• Monitor humidity

7. Landscape and Outdoor Cultivation

Garden Impact

• Spectacular large fan palm
• Tropical garden centerpiece
• Typhoon resistant
• Long-lived clustering

Design Uses

• Large tropical gardens
• Resort landscaping
• Conservation collections
• Specimen groupings

8. Cold Climate Cultivation Strategies

Cold Hardiness

Limited but better than many tropical palms.

Winter Protection

• Can handle brief 12°C (54°F)
• Protect below 15°C (59°F)
• Heavy mulching
• Wrap if necessary

Hardiness Zone

• USDA 10a-11 standard
• Zone 9b marginal
• Protected microclimates

Winter Protection Systems and Materials

• Temporary greenhouse structures
• Heat cables for roots
• Insulating wraps
• Wind protection critical

Establishment and Maintenance in Landscapes

Planting Techniques for Success

Site Selection:

• Full sun to part shade
• Excellent drainage mandatory
• Protection from cold winds
• Space for large clumps

Soil Preparation:

• Improve drainage extensively
• Consider ultramafic amendments
• Raised planting beneficial
• Deep cultivation

Installation:

• Handle carefully (spines!)
• Plant at original depth
• Stake if needed
• Mulch immediately

Long-term Maintenance Schedules

Monthly (Growing Season):

• Deep watering
• Fertilization
• Pest monitoring
• Dead leaf removal

Seasonally:

• Adjust watering for dry season
• Comprehensive health check
• Division if needed
• Mulch renewal