How to identify Forest cabbage tree (Cordyline banksii)

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How to identify Forest cabbage tree (Cordyline banksii)

Forest cabbage tree is a shrub or small tree, growing up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) tall and 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide, characterized by its upright, paddle-shaped leaves, each 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) wide and 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) long. The leaves display a glossy surface and a flat midrib, widening at the midpoint, then tipping downwards. Its youthful foliage is uniquely two-ranked, resembling a traveler's palm, which evolves into fuller heads with age. Summer brings a tall spike of fragrant white flowers, contributing to its tropical aesthetic.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Forest cabbage tree

Upright paddle-shaped leaves with glossy surface and flat midrib.

Youthful two-ranked foliage resembling a traveler's palm.

Leaves 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) wide and 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) long.

Midrib widens at midpoint and tips downwards.

Summer brings fragrant white flowers on tall spike.

Forest cabbage tree and Their Similar Plants

Ti plant vs. Forest cabbage tree: What's The Difference?

The ti plant is a palm-like shrub that symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead for some Austronesian cultures, having many ceremonial purposes. In practical terms, ti plant is used to make dyes and is grown for ornamentation.

Cabbage tree vs. Forest cabbage tree: What's The Difference?

Cabbage tree (*Cordyline australis*) is a subtropical palm-like tree that thrives in environments with fertile, well-drained soil. Salt and drought tolerant, they are ideal for sunny borders or containers. The cabbage tree blooms in late spring to early summer with small, fragrant white flowers. It's not an unusual sight in city courtyards and coastal gardens.

Cabbage tree 'Red Star' vs. Forest cabbage tree: What's The Difference?

A cultivar of Cabbage palm, cabbage tree 'Red Star' produces showy, sword-like leaves that are burgundy in color, accounting for its name. Remaining colorful year-round, this cultivar is often appreciated for adding a splash of red in the winter months. This cultivar grows to 3 meters wheras the parent plant grows up to 8 meters.

Mountain cabbage tree vs. Forest cabbage tree: What's The Difference?

It forms a stout tree up to 8 m tall, with a trunk from 41 to 79 cm in diameter. The stem is usually unbranched, or has very few branches. The leaves are 99 to 201 cm long, and from 10 to 30 cm wide. The foliage, which droops with age, is blue-green and shaped like a broad sword, with a broad and conspicuous midrib which is often tinged red, orange red or golden. The inflorescence is a panicle that arises from the base of the growing points underneath the leaves.

Cabbage tree 'Torbay Dazzler' vs. Forest cabbage tree: What's The Difference?

Cabbage tree 'Torbay Dazzler' is a palm-like tree with long, sword-shaped leaves that appear dark green with bold creamy-white stripes. It is a cultivar of the cabbage tree. The British name ‘Torbay’ derives from the fact that it is very common around the Devon, England borough of the same name. This evergreen, drought-tolerant plant is ideal for rooftop, architectural, and coastal gardens.

Palm lily vs. Forest cabbage tree: What's The Difference?

Palm lily are evergreen, ornamental plants named for their large underground stems. Their long attractive leaves grow in a rosette shape. Flowers bloom from a long stem that extends from the center of the leaves. Propagation is easy with reproduction by seed or by replanting the sucker plants that form at the base. These species make great options for gardens, greenhouses, or houseplants.

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Key Facts About Forest cabbage tree

Attributes of Forest cabbage tree

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

1.2 m to 2.5 m

Spread

90 cm to 1.2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

7 mm to 1 cm

Flower Color

White

Fruit Color

Red

White

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Scientific Classification of Forest cabbage tree

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Forest cabbage tree (Cordyline banksii)

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Distribution Map of Forest cabbage tree

Forest cabbage tree is indigenous to Oceania, specifically located in the southwestern Pacific region. Beyond its natural habitat, forest cabbage tree has been cultivated successfully in various temperate and subtropical regions around the globe. This widespread cultivation reflects the plant's adaptability and horticultural appeal.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Forest cabbage tree

A Comprehensive Guide to Forest cabbage tree How to Grow and Care for Forest cabbage tree