Family: Arecaceae
Common Name: Queensland Black Palm

This single-species genus of feather palm is confined to a small area in the north of Queensland. The common name refers to the trunk, which is gray, but has a layer of hard, black fibers. This palm is not likely to be available outside its native Australia.

Species

N. normanbyi is a very handsome palm which grows 15-20 m (50-65 ft) tall in the tropics. It has a distinctive, pale gray trunk and arching, pendulous feathery fronds. The leaflets have jagged ends and are rich green on the upper side and gray-white beneath. They grow from every direction, giving a slightly foxtail effect. For this reason, it is sometimes confused with the foxtail palm, Wodyetia bifurcata. The short sprays of numerous, white or pinkish flowers emerge from beneath the crownshaft. After flowering, oval to pear-shaped fruits form. These generally ripen during summer, maturing to a pink or rich red colour.

Cultivation

This palm needs humid, frost-free conditions and shelter from strong wind. It also requires a well-drained soil with a high organic content, and should be kept mulched, at least in its early years. Young palms must have shade for their first few years. Slow-release fertilizer or blood, fish and bone should be applied in early spring and again in early summer. Give regular, deep waterings through spring and summer but much less often during the cooler months. This palm can be grown indoors when young, but often does poorly as the humidity is too low. Germination of seed can be erratic, taking three months or even longer.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 10 and above.