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Curly palm

How to identify Curly palm (Howea belmoreana)

Curly palm, also known as Sentry palm

Curly palm is characterized by its upright growth habit, with a single, slender trunk that can reach heights up to 10 feet (3 meters). The trunk is topped by a crown of arched fronds that are deep green, glossy, and can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. Each frond is pinnate, with leaflets arranged on either side of a central rachis. The leaflets themselves are somewhat stiff and have a tendency to curl slightly. Curly palm's flowering structure, an inflorescence, emerges below the crown and bears small, cream-colored flowers.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Curly palm

1

Pinnate, arching fronds up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long.

2

Ovoid, dark red to reddish-brown fruit, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm).

3

Graceful, arching leaves forming a half circle, up to 10 feet (3 meters) long.

4

Ringed, green trunk reaching 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.

5

Drooping, unisexual cream flowers in spikes up to 3 feet (91 cm) long.

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Detailed Traits of Curly palm

Leaf Features

The leaves of curly palm are distinguished by their graceful, arching shape, curling to form almost a half circle. They can extend up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length. The leaves are pinnate and deep green in color, with a smooth texture. They exhibit a prominent midrib and parallel venation pattern, giving them a sturdy yet elegant appearance. This striking curvature and length make the leaves a key identifying feature of the plant.

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Flower Features

The flowers of curly palm appear in drooping, pendulous spikes emerging from the leaf axil. They are small, and each spike can reach lengths of up to 3 feet (91 cm). The flowers themselves are typically unisexual, cream-colored, and clustered along the spike. They lack a strong scent, making them less noticeable by smell even during their peak blooming period, which often occurs in late spring to early summer.

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Stem Features

The stem of curly palm features a ringed, green trunk that can grow to approximately 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter and bulges at its base. When young, the stem is green and smooth, but it grays as it matures. This palm's stem exhibits a prominent, banded texture from leaf scars, giving it a distinctive appearance crucial for identification.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of curly palm is dark red to reddish-brown and ovoid in shape. Measuring approximately 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long, it has a smooth but firm texture. The fruit's distinctive coloration and shape make it identifiable among other palm species, showcasing a deep, rich hue as it matures.

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Key Facts About Curly palm

Attributes of Curly palm
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
8 m
Spread
4 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Curly palm

Family
Palm
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Genus
Howea
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Species
Curly palm (Howea belmoreana)
Learn More About the Curly palm

Distribution Map of Curly palm

Curly palm is endemic to a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It thrives in its native habitat, a region known for its subtropical climate. Beyond its natural range, curly palm has also been introduced to areas characterized by a similar climate within the southern hemisphere, notably the eastern parts of the Australian continent.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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