SCIENTIFIC NAME: Archontophoenix alexandrae

COMMON NAME(S): Alexandra palm; King Alexander palm
SUB FAMILY: Arecoideae
TRIBE: Areceae
ORIGIN: Australia
HARDINESS ZONES: 10B-11 (severely damaged or killed at 26 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 40'
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
HABIT: Solitary; canopy of 8-12 leaves
SALT TOLERANCE: Low
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: 'Mt. Lewis' has a brownish-red crownshaft; 'Kuranda' has a broader trunk than typical forms

COMMENTS: The Alexandra palm makes a stately accent in the landscape and works well as a single specimen or a group of several. It is sometimes confused with Hurricane palm (Dictyosperma album) but can be differentiated by the swollen base, smooth (rather than waxy) crownshaft, shorter leaves, and pendulous inflorescence. New leaves may emerge light bronze in color on young specimens which make attractive container plants (but do not adapt well to very low light). Alexandra palm performs better in the landscape when supplementary irrigation is provided during periods of sustained drought. Likewise, fertilization should be received a minumum of twice per year to prevent disfiguring nutritional deficiencies. Dry winds may also cause some leaf-tip burn. Unfortunately, this species has the reputation for moving poorly from field nurseries. The heart is susceptible to fatal shattering if the crown of the palm is subjected to undue stresses during lifting and transport to the landscape site. Consequently, field grown specimens should be handled very carefully during transplanting. Splinting or otherwise supporting the crown during transportation may be advisable.