1. Introduction

Habitat and Distribution, Native Continent

Licuala cordata is endemic to the island of Borneo, with populations found in Sarawak and Sabah (Malaysia), Brunei, and Kalimantan (Indonesia). This distinctive palm inhabits lowland to hill mixed dipterocarp forests from sea level to 1,000 meters elevation, with highest abundance between 200-600 meters. It shows a strong preference for alluvial soils along rivers and streams, often growing in periodically flooded areas. The species thrives in locations with 2,500-4,500mm annual rainfall and consistently high humidity. L. cordata is particularly common in riverine forests where its unique leaf shape may help shed excess water. The specific epithet "cordata" refers to the distinctive heart-shaped (cordate) leaves that make this species instantly recognizable.

Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Classification

Synonyms

• Licuala veitchii W.Watson ex Becc. (1921)
• Pritchardia veitchii W.Watson (basionym of synonym)
• Sometimes confused with L. orbicularis in trade

Common Names

• English: Heart-shaped fan palm, Cordate licuala
• Malay: Palas hati ("heart palas")
• Indonesian: Daun payung hati ("heart umbrella leaf")
• Chinese: 心叶轴榈 (xīn yè zhóu lǘ)
• English (outdated): Veitchii palm

Expansion in the World

L. cordata has moderate presence in cultivation:

• Common in Southeast Asian botanical gardens
• Singapore Botanic Gardens (multiple specimens)
• Growing popularity in private collections
• Available from specialist palm nurseries
• Seeds regularly offered internationally
• Tissue culture propagation successful
• IUCN Red List status: Near Threatened

Cultivation success reflects its distinctive appearance and relative adaptability.

2. Biology and Physiology

Morphology

Growth Form

L. cordata is a small to medium-sized, solitary palm reaching 3-6 meters in height. The trunk is slender, 5-10cm in diameter, covered with persistent leaf bases when young, becoming smooth and prominently ringed with age. The trunk often shows a slight lean, following light gaps in the forest canopy. In cultivation, it typically remains shorter and more compact.

Leaves

The heart-shaped leaves are the species' defining feature. The nearly circular blade is 40-80cm in diameter, characteristically split at the base creating a cordate (heart-shaped) outline. The blade is divided into 8-16 wedge-shaped segments that are themselves split to varying depths, typically halfway to the base. Each segment has a truncate apex with distinctive small teeth. Leaves are bright glossy green above, paler and matte below. The petiole is 60-150cm long, slender, with small marginal teeth rather than true spines in mature plants.

Inflorescence

The interfoliar inflorescence extends beyond the leaves, reaching 100-150cm in length. It branches to 2-3 orders with numerous small, cream to white flowers arranged in clusters along the rachillae. The inflorescence axes are covered in pale brown to white tomentum. Flowering occurs throughout the year with peaks during rainy seasons.

Fruits

Globose to ovoid, 10-15mm diameter, larger than many Licuala species. Fruits ripen from green through orange to bright red or deep crimson. Each contains a single seed with the characteristic ruminate endosperm. The relatively large, bright fruits attract various birds and mammals.

Life Cycle

L. cordata follows a moderate-paced life cycle:

• Germination to Seedling (0-2 years): Steady initial growth
• Juvenile Phase (2-6 years): Heart shape develops
• Sub-adult Phase (6-12 years): Trunk elongation
• Adult Phase (12-50 years): Regular reproduction
• Senescent Phase (50-80 years): Gradual decline

First flowering typically occurs at 10-15 years in cultivation.

Specific Adaptations to Climate Conditions

• Cordate Leaves: Enhanced water shedding
• Flood Tolerance: Survives periodic inundation
• Flexible Segments: Reduces wind damage
• Glossy Surface: Repels excess moisture
• Riverside Adaptation: Tolerates varying water levels
• Year-round Flowering: Takes advantage of aseasonal climate

3. Reproduction and Propagation

Seed Reproduction

Seed Morphology and Diversity

L. cordata produces relatively large globose seeds, 8-12mm diameter, with deeply ruminate endosperm creating an intricate pattern. The seed coat is moderately thick, requiring scarification for optimal germination. Seeds retain a thin sarcotesta that must be removed. Fresh seed weight ranges from 0.5-1.0 grams. Good genetic diversity exists across Bornean populations.

Detailed Seed Collection and Viability Testing

Collection Methods:

• Monitor for fruit color change
• Collect when deep red
• Fruits often retained on palm
• Use pole with collection bag

Viability Assessment:

• Sink test reliable after cleaning
• Cut test shows white, firm endosperm
• Fresh viability: 90-95%
• One month: 75-85%
• Three months: 50-60%
• Six months: 20-30%

Pre-germination Treatments

Step-by-step Germination Techniques

1. Medium: 40% peat, 40% perlite, 20% vermiculite
2. Container: Deep individual pots preferred
3. Planting: 2-3cm deep
4. Temperature: 28-32°C (82-90°F)
5. Humidity: 80-85%
6. Light: Moderate shade (70%)
7. Bottom heat: Beneficial

Germination Difficulty

Moderate:

• Scarification important
• Temperature critical
• Good rates with fresh seeds
• Patience required

Germination Time

• First germination: 45-90 days
• Peak germination: 90-150 days
• Complete process: 240 days
• Success rate: 70-85% with treatment

Seedling Care and Early Development

Months 0-6:

• First leaves simple
• Rapid root development
• High humidity crucial
• No fertilization

Year 1:

• Heart shape begins developing
• Light feeding monthly
• 80% shade optimal
• Watch for pests

Years 2-3:

• True cordate leaves appear
• Increase pot size
• Regular fertilization
• Can reduce shade to 70%

Advanced Germination Techniques

Hormonal Treatments for Germination Enhancement

Gibberellic Acid (GA3):

• 500-750 ppm optimal
• 48-hour soak after scarification
• 30-40% improvement
• Reduces germination time

Smoke Water:

• Effective for Bornean species
• 1:50 dilution
• Natural germination trigger
• 24-hour treatment

Combined Protocol:

• Scarification + GA3 + bottom heat
• Can achieve 90% germination
• Recommended for stored seeds

4. Cultivation Requirements

Light Requirements

Species-specific Light Tolerance Ranges

• Seedlings (0-2 years): 300-600 μmol/m²/s (70-80% shade)
• Juveniles (2-6 years): 600-1200 μmol/m²/s (60-70% shade)
• Adults (6+ years): 1200-1800 μmol/m²/s (40-50% shade to partial sun)

More light-tolerant than many Licuala species.

Seasonal Light Variations and Management

• Can handle seasonal variations
• Morning sun acceptable when established
• Protect from intense afternoon sun
• Gradual acclimation important

Artificial Lighting for Indoor Cultivation

• Moderate light requirements
• LED or fluorescent adequate
• 12-14 hour photoperiod
• 200-400 foot-candles

Temperature and Humidity Management

Optimal Temperature Ranges

• Ideal: 25-32°C (77-90°F)
• Acceptable: 20-38°C (68-100°F)
• Minimum survival: 13°C (55°F)
• Maximum tolerance: 40°C (104°F)
• Heat tolerant for a Licuala

Cold Tolerance Thresholds

• Light damage: 15°C (59°F)
• Severe damage: 13°C (55°F)
• Fatal: 8°C (46°F)
• Brief cold snaps tolerated

Hardiness Zone Maps

• USDA Zones: 10a-11
• Marginal in 9b with protection
• Sunset Zones: 22-24
• European: H1b-H1a

Humidity Requirements and Modification

• Optimal: 65-80%
• Minimum tolerable: 50%
• Less demanding than many species
• Adapts to moderate humidity

Soil and Nutrition

Ideal Soil Composition and pH

Nutrient Requirements Through Growth Stages

Seedlings (0-2 years):

• Begin at 6 months
• 1/4 strength monthly
• Balanced formula

Juveniles (2-6 years):

• NPK ratio: 5-2-4
• Monthly application
• Increasing rates

Adults (6+ years):

• NPK ratio: 10-5-10
• Bi-weekly in season
• Heavy feeder when growing

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilization

Organic Program:

• Well-composted manure
• Monthly fish emulsion
• Top-dress with compost
• Excellent response

Synthetic Option:

• Controlled-release pellets
• Liquid supplements
• Complete palm food
• Watch for salt buildup

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Corrections

• Magnesium: Most common - Epsom salts
• Iron: Chlorosis - chelated iron
• Manganese: Frizzletop - manganese sulfate
• Boron: Occasional - borax solution

Water Management

Irrigation Frequency and Methodology

• High water requirement
• Keep consistently moist
• Can handle brief flooding
• Deep watering preferred

Drought Tolerance Assessment

• Low to moderate drought tolerance
• Shows stress quickly
• Recovery generally good
• Mulching essential

Water Quality Considerations

• Tolerates various water types
• Moderate salt tolerance
• pH 6.0-7.5 acceptable
• River water ideal

Drainage Requirements

• Good drainage preferred
• Tolerates temporary waterlogging
• Raised beds in clay soils
• Organic matter helps

5. Diseases and Pests

Common Problems in Growing

• Scale insects: Regular issue
• Leaf spots: Various fungi
• Palm weevils: In stressed plants
• Root problems: In poor drainage

Identification of Diseases and Pests

Insect Pests:

• Coconut scale: White masses
• Red palm mite: Leaf bronzing
• Mealybugs: Cotton clusters
• Rhinoceros beetle: Crown damage

Diseases:

• Gliocladium: Pink disease on stems
• Pestalotiopsis: Gray leaf spots
• Phytophthora: Root and bud rot
• Leaf blight: In wet conditions

Environmental and Chemical Protection Methods

Cultural Management:

• Space plants properly
• Ensure air circulation
• Remove infected material
• Avoid overhead watering

Treatment Options:

• Horticultural oil for scale
• Neem oil preventatively
• Systemic insecticides if severe
• Copper fungicides for diseases

6. Indoor Palm Growing

Specific Care in Housing Conditions

Good Indoor Candidate:

• Distinctive appearance
• Moderate size manageable
• Tolerates AC/heating better
• Year-round interest

Indoor Requirements:

• Bright indirect light
• Humidity 60%+ preferred
• Good air circulation
• Regular feeding program

Replanting and Wintering

Replanting Needs:

• Every 2-3 years typical
• Spring timing best
• One size up gradually
• Quality potting mix

Winter Management:

• Maintain above 15°C (59°F)
• Reduce watering 30%
• Stop fertilization
• Watch for spider mites
• Increase humidity

7. Landscape and Outdoor Cultivation

Garden Applications

• Specimen palm
• Waterside plantings
• Tropical understory
• Container accent

Design Impact

• Heart-shaped leaves unique
• Medium size versatile
• Tropical authenticity
• Four-season interest

8. Cold Climate Cultivation Strategies

Cold Hardiness

Limited cold tolerance but better than many Licuala.

Winter Protection

• Move indoors below 15°C (59°F)
• Can survive brief 10°C (50°F)
• Protect from wind
• Mulch heavily if marginal

Hardiness Zone

• USDA 10a-11 standard
• Zone 9b possible with excellent protection
• Container culture safer

Winter Protection Systems and Materials

• Wrap trunk if marginal
• Christmas lights for warmth
• Fleece covering
• Move containers to shelter

Establishment and Maintenance in Landscapes

Planting Techniques for Success

Site Selection:

• Morning sun, afternoon shade
• Protection from strong winds
• Near water feature ideal
• Rich, moist soil

Soil Enhancement:

• Add abundant compost
• Ensure drainage
• Create water basin
• pH adjustment if needed

Installation:

• Plant at same depth
• Stake if necessary
• Water thoroughly
• Mulch generously

Long-term Maintenance Schedules

Monthly (Growing Season):

• Deep watering
• Fertilization
• Pest inspection
• Dead frond removal

Quarterly:

• Comprehensive health check
• Micronutrient application
• Mulch renewal
• Growth documentation

Annual:

• Soil testing
• Major pruning
• Support check
• Consider propagation

Special Considerations:

• Protect unique leaves
• Allow natural form
• Document heart shape development
• Share with conservation efforts