The Life of an Unusual Seedling

[plantapalm]

I have learned in my few years of growing stuff to snap a lot of pictures. I have been sorting through all of my 1000's of unorganized pics to put this together. This is the life of an unusual Hyophorbe lagenicaulis beginning 12/17/07, that I did not realize was unusual until this past 2/12/09. So here the story begins. On 12/17/07 I was purchasing joey seeds from a guy in Thailand and still had space left from shipping quote so I also ordered some bottle seeds. On Feb 7, 2008 I received the seeds from Thailand, the 20 bottle seeds I ordered came with 43 seeds which I though was a score.

After a short 24hour soak I sowed the seeds on 2/8/08.

On 4/16/08 I plucked and planted 3 sprouts out of the 43seeds, and that is all I have still to date. These pics will show the special 1 growing up. He is the 1 on the left.

And here again on 5/9/08

and the story continues........

[plantapalm]

This is him getting bigger. 6/19/08

And on 9/13/08 the 3 seedlings were up potted to 1gals. Even at this point I still did not notice anything. Are you seeing anything yet?

and the story continues.....

[plantapalm]

I can't find anything until 2/12/09, I know I have some more somewhere. I was carrying the palms and orchids back outside after a cold snap when I noticed the unusual bottle palm.

a little closer, wait......is that

this bottle has developed a double trunk

and the story continues....

[plantapalm]

So after almost 2 months I decided I had to check out what was going on an this is what I found on 4/7/09

Side 1

Side 2

and the old leaf removed to see the trunks

So I have this repotted now but no pictures to show yet. I will continue the story as the palm grows up. The best result in my eyes would be 1 bottle base with 2 nice trunks. Do you think they will both develop a bottle base or share the 1. Can I have your thoughts on what may have caused this to happen or share any other weird seedling stories you have. Michael

[The Germinator]

Wow, very unusual. Keep us posted.

[Tyrone]

Siamese twins.

[BS Man about Palms]

You are a brave bare rooter, Gunga Din.

[Kris]

Dear Michael

Fentastic step by step illustration with proper dates put for each still,and stills being big size it was really very life like..

As all have said,certainly love to know now & then as to how this baby is doing !

thanks & love,

Kris

[edric]

Unbelievable, Ed

[FRITO]

nice presentation, keep us updated on this palms progress annually, it is fascinating to watch it progress.