1. Introduction

Habitat and Distribution, Native Continent

Pinanga bicolana is endemic to the Philippines, specifically the Bicol Peninsula of southern Luzon after which it is named. The species is found in lowland and hill dipterocarp forests from sea level to 800 meters elevation, with the highest concentrations between 200-500 meters. It inhabits the understory of primary and mature secondary forests in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon. The palm thrives in areas with annual rainfall of 2,500-4,000mm, no pronounced dry season, and frequent typhoon exposure. It typically grows on volcanic soils derived from Mount Mayon and Mount Bulusan, in deep shade along streams and steep ravines where humidity remains consistently high.

Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Classification

Synonyms

• Sometimes confused with P. insignis in older literature
• Occasionally mislabeled as P. philippinensis
• No true synonyms (relatively recently described)

Common Names

• Bicol pinanga (English)
• Anibong (Bicolano)
• Pugahan (Local Filipino)
• Small-fruited pinanga (English trade name)
• 比科尔槟榔青 (Chinese)

Expansion in the World

P. bicolana has limited but growing presence in cultivation:

• Philippine national botanical gardens
• Singapore Botanic Gardens (research collection)
• Private collections in Southeast Asia
• Hawaii (successful cultivation reported)
• Southern Florida (struggling with humidity)
• Rarely available from specialty nurseries
• IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable

Limited cultivation reflects habitat loss in the Philippines and restricted export of endemic species.

2. Biology and Physiology

Morphology

Trunk

P. bicolana develops a solitary, slender trunk reaching 3-6 meters in height with a diameter of 3-5cm. The trunk is green when young, aging to gray-brown with faint ring scars at 5-10cm intervals. A distinctive feature is the slightly swollen nodes giving a subtly bamboo-like appearance. The base shows minimal swelling and no aerial roots. The trunk often grows slightly curved, following light gaps in the forest canopy.

Leaves

The crown consists of 6-10 pinnate leaves forming an open, elegant canopy. Leaves are 1.2-1.8 meters long including the 25-40cm petiole. Leaflets are distinctive in their arrangement and coloration: 15-25 per side, irregularly grouped, with terminal leaflets confluent (joined). Each leaflet is 20-35cm long and 3-6cm wide, dark green above with a characteristic blue-green underside. New leaves emerge bronze-red, a striking feature. The crownshaft is 30-50cm long, green with brown scales.

Flower Systems

P. bicolana is monoecious with infrafoliar inflorescences. The inflorescence is relatively short (15-25cm), branched to 2 orders with 5-12 rachillae. A unique feature is the bicolored spathe - green on one side, purple on the other - giving the species its name. Flowers are arranged in characteristic triads. Male flowers are small (2-3mm), white to cream with 6 stamens. Female flowers are slightly larger, greenish-white. Flowering occurs throughout the year with peaks during the rainy season.

Life Cycle

P. bicolana has a relatively short life cycle of 40-60 years:

• Germination to Seedling (0-2 years): Rapid initial growth
• Juvenile Phase (2-8 years): Trunk development begins
• Sub-adult Phase (8-15 years): Height growth accelerates
• Adult Phase (15-45 years): Regular reproduction
• Senescent Phase (45-60 years): Declining vigor

First flowering occurs at 8-12 years, relatively early for the genus.

Specific Adaptations to Climate Conditions

• Typhoon Resistance: Flexible trunk and small crown
• High Humidity Adaptation: Rapid water turnover
• Low Light Efficiency: Thrives in deep shade
• Bronze New Leaves: Protection from UV in gaps
• Year-round Flowering: Continuous reproduction
• Stream-side Preference: Flood tolerance

3. Reproduction and Propagation

Seed Reproduction

Seed Morphology and Diversity

P. bicolana produces small, ovoid fruits, 1.2-1.8cm long and 0.8-1.2cm diameter. Immature fruits are green, ripening to bright red then black. The epicarp is thin and smooth; mesocarp is thin with slight fiber; endocarp is papery. Seeds are ovoid, 0.8-1.2cm long, with ruminate endosperm typical of Pinanga. Fresh seed weight is 0.3-0.8 grams. Limited genetic studies suggest moderate diversity within populations but differentiation between isolated populations.

Detailed Seed Collection and Viability Testing

Collection Protocol:

• Monitor for black ripe fruits
• Collect directly from palm or fresh fallen
• Process within 48 hours
• Small fruit crops require careful timing

Viability Testing:

• Visual inspection: Plump seeds best
• Float test: Generally reliable
• Cut test: White, firm endosperm
• Fresh viability: 85-95%
• One month storage: 60-70%
• Three months: 20-30%

Pre-germination Treatments

Fruit Processing:

• Remove thin flesh completely
• Brief fermentation acceptable (24 hours)
• Clean thoroughly
• Never allow drying

Scarification:

• Usually unnecessary
• Very light sanding if used
• Focus on cleaning

Soaking:

• 24-hour warm water soak
• Helps imbibition
• Change water once

Step-by-step Germination Techniques

1. Medium: 50% peat, 30% perlite, 20% fine sand
2. Container: Community pots acceptable
3. Sowing: 1-2cm deep
4. Temperature: 25-30°C (77-86°F)
5. Humidity: 80-90%
6. Light: Deep shade from start
7. Moisture: Consistently moist

Germination Difficulty

Easy to moderate. Success factors:

• Fresh seeds essential
• Stable warm temperature
• High humidity maintained
• Avoid overwatering

Germination Time

• First emergence: 30-60 days
• Peak germination: 60-90 days
• Complete: Within 120 days
• Success rate: 70-85%

Seedling Care and Early Development

Months 0-6:

• Maintain high humidity
• Deep shade essential
• No fertilization initially

Months 6-12:

• Begin weak feeding
• Transplant when 3-4 leaves
• Watch for bronze new leaves

Years 2-3:

• Increase pot size
• Regular feeding program
• Maintain deep shade

Advanced Germination Techniques

Hormonal Treatments for Germination Enhancement

4. Cultivation Requirements

Light Requirements

Species-specific Light Tolerance Ranges

• Seedlings (0-2 years): 50-200 μmol/m²/s (95% shade)
• Juveniles (2-5 years): 200-500 μmol/m²/s (90% shade)
• Sub-adults (5-10 years): 400-800 μmol/m²/s (85% shade)
• Adults: 600-1000 μmol/m²/s maximum (80% shade)

Deep shade specialist throughout life.

Seasonal Light Variations and Management

• Consistent deep shade required
• Increase shade in summer
• Never direct sun exposure
• Dappled light acceptable

Artificial Lighting for Indoor Cultivation

• Low light requirements ideal for indoors
• Standard fluorescent adequate
• 10-12 hour photoperiod
• 50-150 foot-candles sufficient

Temperature and Humidity Management

Optimal Temperature Ranges

• Ideal: 23-28°C (73-82°F)
• Acceptable: 18-32°C (64-90°F)
• Minimum: 15°C (59°F)
• Maximum: 35°C (95°F)
• Prefers stable temperatures

Cold Tolerance Thresholds

• Damage threshold: 12°C (54°F)
• Severe damage: 10°C (50°F)
• Fatal: 7°C (45°F)
• No frost tolerance

Hardiness Zone Maps

• USDA Zones: 10b-11
• Marginal in 10a
• Sunset Zones: 23-24
• European: H1a

Humidity Requirements and Modification

• Optimal: 75-90%
• Minimum: 60%
• High humidity critical
• Frequent misting needed indoors

Soil and Nutrition

Ideal Soil Composition and pH

pH preference: 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic)

Rainforest mix:

• 40% peat or coir
• 25% perlite
• 20% composted bark
• 10% coarse sand
• 5% charcoal

Moisture-retentive but draining

Nutrient Requirements Through Growth Stages

Seedlings (0-1 year):

• No feeding first 6 months
• Then 1/4 strength monthly

Juveniles (1-5 years):

• NPK ratio: 3-1-2
• Monthly application
• Weak concentration

Adults (5+ years):

• NPK ratio: 10-5-10
• Bi-monthly feeding
• Full strength acceptable

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilization

Organic Approach:

• Fish emulsion ideal
• Compost tea
• Well-aged manure tea
• Worm castings top dressing

Synthetic Program:

• Balanced liquid feeds
• Slow-release acceptable
• Avoid salt buildup
• Flush periodically

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Corrections

• Iron: Common in alkaline conditions
• Magnesium: Epsom salts monthly
• Manganese: Occasional need
• Generally undemanding

Water Management

Irrigation Frequency and Methodology

• Consistent moisture essential
• Never allow drying
• Daily watering often needed
• Overhead watering acceptable

Drought Tolerance Assessment

• Very low drought tolerance
• Rapid decline when dry
• Leaf tips brown immediately
• Recovery difficult

Water Quality Considerations

• Prefers soft water
• Rainwater ideal
• Sensitive to chlorine
• Low salt tolerance

Drainage Requirements

• Good drainage important
• No waterlogging tolerance
• Elevated planting if needed
• Organic mulch beneficial

5. Diseases and Pests

Common Problems in Growing

• Low humidity stress: Primary issue
• Leaf spots: In poor air circulation
• Scale insects: Occasional
• Root rot: If waterlogged

Identification of Diseases and Pests

Fungal Issues:

• Cylindrocladium leaf spots
• Anthracnose in wet conditions
• Pythium root rot
• Generally healthy in proper conditions

Pest Problems:

• Scale insects: On crownshaft
• Mealybugs: In crown
• Spider mites: Low humidity
• Thrips: Minor issue

Environmental and Chemical Protection Methods

Prevention:

• Maintain high humidity
• Good air circulation
• Proper shade levels
• Quarantine new plants

Treatment:

• Neem oil for pests
• Systemic fungicides if needed
• Focus on culture
• Minimal chemicals preferred

6. Indoor Palm Growing

Specific Care in Housing Conditions

Indoor Advantages:

• Low light needs perfect
• Compact size ideal
• Attractive year-round
• Bronze new leaves stunning

Success Requirements:

• High humidity essential
• Stable temperatures
• Deep shade tolerated
• Regular misting needed

Replanting and Wintering

Replanting Schedule:

• Every 2 years when young
• Every 3-4 years mature
• Spring timing best

Winter Care:

• Maintain above 18°C (64°F)
• Increase humidity
• Reduce watering slightly
• No fertilizer Dec-Feb
• Watch for spider mites

7. Landscape and Outdoor Cultivation

Garden Applications

• Understory excellence
• Stream-side plantings
• Shaded borders
• Container specimen

Design Value

• Tropical texture
• Bronze new growth accent
• Small space suitable
• Year-round interest

8. Cold Climate Cultivation Strategies

Cold Hardiness

Limited cold tolerance - tropical species.

Winter Protection

• Move indoors below 15°C
• Greenhouse ideal
• High humidity crucial
• Stable temperatures needed

Hardiness Zone

• USDA 10b-11 only
• Not for temperate climates
• Heated greenhouse required

Winter Protection Systems and Materials

Indoor Wintering:

• Bright indirect light
• Humidity trays
• Room humidifier
• Avoid heating vents

Establishment and Maintenance in Landscapes

Planting Techniques for Success

Site Selection:

• Deep shade mandatory
• High humidity area
• Protected from wind
• Near water features ideal

Soil Preparation:

• Rich, organic soil
• Excellent drainage
• Mulch heavily
• Acidify if needed

Planting Process:

• Minimal root disturbance
• Plant at same depth
• Water thoroughly
• Shade cloth if needed

Long-term Maintenance Schedules

Weekly:

• Check moisture
• Mist if dry
• Remove dead leaves

Monthly:

• Feed during growing season
• Check for pests
• Adjust shade if needed

Annually:

• Refresh mulch
• Check pH
• Evaluate growth
• Adjust care