1. Introduction

Habitat and Distribution, Native Continent

Prestoea carderi is endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, found in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This rare montane palm inhabits cloud forests and wet montane forests at elevations between 800-2,300 meters, with the highest concentrations in the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic and the Massif de la Hotte in Haiti. The species thrives in areas of persistent fog and mist, with annual rainfall exceeding 2,500mm and relatively stable cool temperatures year-round. It typically grows on steep slopes with rich, organic soils derived from volcanic or limestone parent material. Named after botanist Charles Carder who collected extensively in Hispaniola, this palm often forms pure stands in undisturbed cloud forest, creating a distinctive palm-dominated forest type unique to the island.

Native range: Endemic to Hispaniola (Haiti & Dominican Republic)
Click on markers for specific location details

Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Classification

Synonyms

• Oreodoxa carderi W.Bull (basionym, 1882)
• Euterpe carderi (W.Bull) H.Wendl.
• Prestoea montana var. carderi (W.Bull) A.J.Hend.
• Sometimes misidentified as P. acuminata in older literature

Common Names

• English: Carder's palm
• English: Hispaniolan prestoea
• Dominican Republic: Palma de sierra
• Haitian Creole: Palmis mòn
• Dominican Spanish: Manacla de la sierra
• French: Palmier de Carder

Expansion in the World

P. carderi remains rare in cultivation:

• Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Florida (conservation collection)
• Montgomery Botanical Center (few specimens)
• Jardín Botánico Nacional, Santo Domingo
• Limited presence in private collections
• Seeds rarely available commercially
• Not widely distributed

2. Biology and Physiology

Morphology

Trunk

P. carderi develops a solitary, relatively robust trunk for the genus, reaching 10-18 meters in height with a diameter of 12-20cm. The trunk is distinctive gray-green to brown, often retaining leaf bases for many years creating a shaggy appearance. Ring scars are prominent when visible, spaced 10-15cm apart. The trunk base may be slightly swollen but lacks buttresses or stilt roots. A unique feature is the tendency for the trunk to develop a slight S-curve in response to slope and light conditions.

Leaves

The crown is dense and compact, consisting of 6-10 pinnate leaves forming a distinctive spherical canopy. Leaves are relatively large for montane Prestoea, measuring 2.5-4 meters long including the 40-80cm petiole. Leaflets number 40-60 per side, regularly arranged, each 50-80cm long and 4-6cm wide. The key diagnostic feature is the silvery-white underside of leaflets, more pronounced than in other Prestoea species. New leaves emerge bright green without the bronze coloration typical of P. acuminata. The crownshaft is prominent, 80-120cm long, bright green to yellow-green, covered in white waxy scales.

Flower Systems

Monoecious with robust infrafoliar inflorescences. The branched inflorescence is 60-100cm long with 80-150 rachillae. Flowers are arranged in typical triads throughout. Male flowers are larger than other Prestoea species at 4-5mm, white to pale yellow with 6-9 stamens. Female flowers are 3mm, greenish-white. The species exhibits strong protandry. Flowering is seasonal, concentrated in the dry season (December-March) with fruiting following in the wet season.

Life Cycle

P. carderi has an extended life cycle of 80-120 years:

• Germination to Seedling (0-4 years): Very slow initial growth
• Juvenile Phase (4-12 years): Establishing in understory
• Sub-adult Phase (12-25 years): Trunk development
• Adult Phase (25-90 years): Reproductive maturity
• Senescent Phase (90-120 years): Gradual decline

First flowering occurs at 15-20 years or when trunk reaches 5-7 meters.

Specific Adaptations to Climate Conditions

• Cloud Immersion: Specialized for fog water capture
• Silvery Leaflets: Reflect excess light, capture moisture
• Dense Crown: Maximizes fog interception
• Cool Temperature Adaptation: Thrives at 10-20°C
• Hurricane Resistance: Flexible trunk survives storms
• Limestone Tolerance: Grows on various substrates

3. Reproduction and Propagation

Seed Reproduction

Seed Morphology and Diversity

P. carderi produces spherical to slightly ovoid fruits, larger than most Prestoea at 1.5-2cm diameter. Immature fruits are bright green, ripening to deep purple-black with a waxy bloom. The epicarp is smooth and relatively thick; mesocarp is minimal; endosperm is hard and homogeneous. Seeds are globose, 1.2-1.5cm diameter, with a lateral embryo. Fresh seed weight is 1.5-2.5 grams. Limited genetic diversity exists due to habitat fragmentation and population isolation.

Detailed Seed Collection and Viability Testing

Pre-germination Treatments

Fruit Cleaning:

• Remove all fruit tissue
• Brief fermentation helpful
• Rinse thoroughly
• Keep constantly moist

Stratification:

• Cool treatment beneficial
• 10-15°C for 30-45 days
• Improves germination rate
• Mimics montane seasons

Scarification:

• Not typically needed
• Very light sanding optional
• Maintain seed coat integrity

Step-by-step Germination Techniques

1. Medium: 45% peat, 30% perlite, 20% pine bark, 5% sand
2. Container: Deep individual pots preferred
3. Sowing: Plant 2-3cm deep
4. Temperature: 18-23°C (64-73°F) optimal
5. Humidity: 85-95%
6. Light: Complete shade initially
7. Special: Cool nights beneficial

Germination Difficulty

Moderate to difficult. Challenges:

• Cool temperature requirements
• High humidity needs
• Slow, irregular germination
• Fungal susceptibility

Germination Time

• Initial germination: 60-120 days
• Peak germination: 120-210 days
• Complete process: up to 300 days
• Success rate: 60-80% with fresh seeds

Seedling Care and Early Development

Year 1:

• Maintain cool, very humid conditions
• Complete shade essential
• No fertilization
• Extremely slow growth

Years 2-4:

• Begin minimal feeding
• 95% shade still required
• Annual leaf production
• Silver undersides develop

Years 5-6:

• Increase feeding gradually
• Can reduce shade to 90%
• Growth rate improves slightly

Advanced Germination Techniques

Hormonal Treatments for Germination Enhancement

4. Cultivation Requirements

Light Requirements

Species-specific Light Tolerance Ranges

• Seedlings (0-4 years): 30-150 μmol/m²/s (95-98% shade)
• Juveniles (4-10 years): 150-500 μmol/m²/s (85-90% shade)
• Sub-adults (10-20 years): 500-1000 μmol/m²/s (70-80% shade)
• Adults: 800-1500 μmol/m²/s (60-70% shade)

Seasonal Light Variations and Management

• Consistent deep shade required
• Never full sun exposure
• Protect from direct light always
• Dappled shade ideal when mature

Artificial Lighting for Indoor Cultivation

• Very low light needs
• Standard room lighting often sufficient
• 8-10 hour photoperiod
• 50-150 foot-candles adequate

Temperature and Humidity Management

Optimal Temperature Ranges

• Ideal: 12-22°C (54-72°F)
• Tolerable: 5-28°C (41-82°F)
• Minimum survival: -2°C (28°F) briefly
• Maximum tolerance: 32°C (90°F) with high humidity

Cold Tolerance Thresholds

• Light damage: 0°C (32°F)
• Severe damage: -3°C (27°F)
• Death likely: -5°C (23°F)
• Good cold tolerance for genus

Hardiness Zone Maps

• USDA Zones: 9b-11
• Best in 10a-10b
• Sunset Zones: 17, 22-24
• European: H3

Humidity Requirements and Modification

• Optimal: 80-95%
• Minimum: 65%
• Cloud forest conditions ideal
• Constant misting beneficial

Soil and Nutrition

Ideal Soil Composition and pH

Nutrient Requirements Through Growth Stages

Seedlings (0-4 years):

• Minimal nutrition
• 1/8 strength quarterly after year 2
• Organic sources preferred

Juveniles (4-10 years):

• NPK ratio: 3-1-2
• Light monthly feeding
• Emphasis on nitrogen

Adults (10+ years):

• NPK ratio: 10-5-10
• Regular feeding program
• Can handle higher rates

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilization

Organic Preferred:

• Composted leaf litter
• Aged forest products
• Worm castings
• Mimics natural nutrition

Synthetic Options:

• Very dilute solutions
• Slow-release only
• Avoid salt buildup
• Include trace elements

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Corrections

• Iron: Chelated iron monthly
• Magnesium: Epsom salts quarterly
• Calcium: From limestone in mix
• Manganese: Foliar application

Water Management

Irrigation Frequency and Methodology

• Never allow drying
• Daily misting ideal
• Consistent moisture critical
• Increase in any warmth

Drought Tolerance Assessment

• No drought tolerance
• Rapid decline if dry
• Often fatal damage
• Automation essential

Water Quality Considerations

• Rainwater strongly preferred
• Low mineral content essential
• pH 6.0-6.5 ideal
• Avoid hard water

Drainage Requirements

• Good drainage yet moisture-retentive
• Organic matter helps balance
• Never waterlogged
• Elevated planting helpful

5. Diseases and Pests

Common Problems in Growing

• Temperature stress: If too warm
• Low humidity damage: Leaf browning
• Root rot: In poor drainage
• Slow growth: Normal but frustrating

Identification of Diseases and Pests

Disease Issues:

• Various leaf spots in high humidity
• Root rots if drainage poor
• Generally healthy in proper conditions

Pest Problems:

• Scale insects: Most common
• Mealybugs: In crown
• Spider mites: If too dry
• Generally pest-free

Environmental and Chemical Protection Methods

Prevention Primary:

• Maintain optimal conditions
• Good air circulation
• Proper sanitation
• Quarantine procedures

If Treatment Needed:

• Horticultural oil
• Neem applications
• Minimal chemicals
• Focus on environment

6. Indoor Palm Growing

Specific Care in Housing Conditions

Indoor Challenges:

• High humidity requirement
• Cool temperature needs
• Low light advantageous
• Slow growth trying

Success Factors:

• Humidity control essential
• Cool room placement
• Away from heat sources
• Patient approach needed

Replanting and Wintering

Replanting Minimal:

• Every 3-4 years
• Spring only
• Minimal root disturbance
• Same depth critical

Winter Care:

• Can tolerate cool conditions
• Maintain above 5°C (41°F)
• Reduce watering slightly
• Maintain high humidity
• No fertilization

7. Landscape and Outdoor Cultivation

Garden Applications

• Cloud forest recreations
• Cool tropical gardens
• Understory specimen
• Conservation collections

Design Value

• Silvery leaf undersides
• Dense spherical crown
• Moderate size
• Rare species interest

8. Cold Climate Cultivation Strategies

Cold Hardiness

Good cold tolerance allows wider cultivation than most tropical palms.

Winter Protection

• Hardy to light frosts
• Protect below 0°C (32°F)
• Mulch heavily
• Overhead protection helpful

Hardiness Zone

• USDA 9b-11
• Best in 10a-10b
• Cool coastal areas ideal

Winter Protection Systems and Materials

Outdoor Strategies:

• Microclimate selection
• Frost cloth ready
• Deep mulch layer
• Wind protection

Cool Greenhouse:

• Ideal environment
• Minimal heating needed
• High humidity maintained
• Natural conditions

Establishment and Maintenance in Landscapes

Planting Techniques for Success

Critical Site Selection:

• Deep shade mandatory
• Cool microclimate
• Protection from sun/wind
• Rich, moist soil

Soil Enhancement:

• Massive organic additions
• Perfect drainage balance
• pH adjustment if needed
• Deep preparation

Installation Care:

• Spring planting only
• Minimal root disturbance
• Immediate heavy mulch
• Shade cloth if needed

Long-term Maintenance Schedules

Weekly:

• Moisture monitoring
• Misting as needed
• Temperature check

Monthly:

• Light feeding in season
• Pest inspection
• Humidity verification

Annually:

• Soil testing
• Mulch renewal
• Health assessment
• Growth documentation

Special Notes:

• Patience essential
• Document for conservation
• Share cultivation data
• Protect from disturbance