SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dypsis lucubensis

COMMON NAME(S): Lucubensis palm
SUB FAMILY: Arecoideae
TRIBE: Areceae
ORIGIN: Nossi Be Island (off Madagascar)
HARDINESS ZONES: 10B-11
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 30'
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
HABIT: Solitary; canopy of 9-12 leaves arranged in 3 vertical rows
SALT TOLERANCE: Moderate
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: Moderate
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Widely adaptable
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Moderate; high
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Moderate
POPULAR USES: Specimen tree
HUMAN HAZARDS: None
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS: None

COMMENTS: Formerly known as Chrysalidocarpus lucubensis, this beautiful relative of the areca palm is starting to become more widely available. The crown, though sparse in leaf number, has an attractive tiered arrangement augmented by the full, plume-like character of the leaves. Similar species: D. madagascariensis (Madagascar) is very similar in appearance except that it clusters with 2-6 stems. Lucubensis palm is sometimes treated as a variety of this species.