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archontophoenix

Scientific Name: Archontophoenix

Family: Arecaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Archontophoenix: A Guide to King and Alexander Palms

The genus Archontophoenix encompasses six species of palms native to eastern Australia, specifically New South Wales and Queensland. These palms are known for their slender trunks and impressive height.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species, like Archontophoenix tuckeri, have stems that can be up to 25cm in diameter and feature ridged "stair-step" rings of leaf scars.

Scientific Classification

  • Genus: Archontophoenix
  • Family: Arecaceae (Palm family)
  • Kingdom: (Implied, but not explicitly stated) Plantae

Nomenclature and Synonyms

  • Archontophoenix alexandrae also has the synonym Ptychosperma alexandrae.

Common Names

  • Archontophoenix cunninghamiana: Bangalow Palm, King Palm, Illawara Palm, Piccabeen Palm
  • Archontophoenix alexandrae: Alexander Palm, King Alexander Palm, Northern Bangalow Palm

Distribution and Habitat

Archontophoenix palms are native to the rainforests of New South Wales and Queensland in eastern Australia. They are also widely planted as ornamental trees in other parts of the world.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Tall, slender palms.
  • Archontophoenix cunninghamiana can grow over 20 meters tall.
  • Archontophoenix alexandrae can reach 25-30 meters tall.
  • Stems can be solitary and gray, reaching up to 15m tall and 25cm in diameter. They can be bulging at the base, with ridged "stair-step" rings of leaf scars.
  • Archontophoenix tuckeri has a solitary stem that can reach up to 20m tall and 25cm in diameter.

Ecological Role

  • Archontophoenix cunninghamiana is noted as an invasive species in Mata.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The palm (Archontophoenix spp.) is a host for Dyscinetus rugifrons Burmeister, a type of beetle.

Additional Information

  • The Plant List includes 11 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus Archontophoenix, with 6 being accepted species names.
  • The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, provides information on Archontophoenix in the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.
  • The South African National Biodiversity displays observations on species like Archontophoenix cunninghamiana.