Carpoxylon macrospermum

[Al in Kona]

Many find Carpoxylon macrospermum to be a very attractive palm but is seldom seen planted in a row as shown here in this photo recently taken at Floribunda Palms (Jeff Marcus) on the Big Island, Hawaii. Perhaps a good palm for street or driveway planting.

[Ken Johnson]

Fantastic palm. I am growing hundreds and want more.

I think I will dig some up and put them in a row after seeing this!

[nomolos]

I saw a pic of Hedyscepe planted in a row and it looked very similar

[Daryl]

Al, I think this will become one of the great avenue palms, given time. Here is a young avenue at the Townsville Palmetum.

regards,

Daryl

[redant]

Why these keep croaking on me is still a mystery, either in pots or in the ground they always die.

[Al in Kona]

Why these keep croaking on me is still a mystery, either in pots or in the ground they always die.

redant - you are not the only one that has or is having problems with this palm. I also have lost two that I planted out from 5-gallon size plants. They grew well for about a year or so, seemingly establishing themselves growing new leaves and all and then gradually, starting with the oldest leaf, would brown until all and finally the center spike as well had died. The palm seemed well rooted in the ground (was not wobbly or anything). I've heard of a few others that have lost their young Carpoxylon similarily. Has anyone else had a problem with this palm?

I do have a rather nice Carpoxylon growing in the garden that was planted directly in the ground from a 4 inch pot and has always done well. Here is a pic of it now.

[Dypsisdean]

Why these keep croaking on me is still a mystery, either in pots or in the ground they always die.

redant - you are not the only one that has or is having problems with this palm. I also have lost two that I planted out from 5-gallon size plants. They grew well for about a year or so, seemingly establishing themselves growing new leaves and all and then gradually, starting with the oldest leaf, would brown until all and finally the center spike as well had died. The palm seemed well rooted in the ground (was not wobbly or anything). I've heard of a few others that have lost their young Carpoxylon similarily. Has anyone else had a problem with this palm?

I do have a rather nice Carpoxylon growing in the garden that was planted directly in the ground from a 4 inch pot and has always done well. Here is a pic of it now.

Al,

These struggled for me as a small palm in full sun until I made sure they had adequate water at all times. Once they got about head high they seemed to kick into gear and seemed to handle any dry spells much better. This is much the same situation I have experienced with Lemurophoenix.

BTW - They don't get any nicer than the one you just pictured. Those attending the "Moku Lani" will get to see it and your garden in person.

[ariscott]

I have managed to grow my last 2... in semi shade position. I lost 3 because I put them in the full sun even with irrigation. I only irrigate once a day though....

The ones in Townsville are grown under canopy as well... so I think they do need protection, unless of course, you can just stand next to it all the time with a hose...

Regards, Ari

[spockvr6]

I do have a rather nice Carpoxylon growing in the garden that was planted directly in the ground from a 4 inch pot and has always done well. Here is a pic of it now.

Yeah....Id say that counts as rather nice.

[Kumar]

Al, that's beautiful! I have one freshly planted in a deeply shaded but high corner of my garden and it suffered no transplant shock at all. Two very healthy leaves so far in three months. Do these grow fast?

[Al in Kona]

While it still seems to be a bit of a mystery as to why some are having a problem at growing Carpoxylon macrospermum, there is the possibility it could be caused by a soil born pathogen such as the fungus Thielaviopsis. This fungus attacks the roots. I've been told there have been some problems with this on some of the Hawaiian Pritchardias. It affects the plant in the same way my Carpoxylon succumbed; starting with the die back of the oldest leaf first then working its way to the newest emerging stem until the whole plant then dies. If caught early enough one might be able to save the palm by using a fungicide such as Cleary (thiaphanate) to drench the soil around the affected plant. Thielaviopsis has been a big problem in Florida but the pathogen is found pretty much world wide. Anyway, this makes me suspect that this might possibly be the cause but until we know for sure we are only guessing.

Here is a progression of photos showing how one small Carpoxylon of mine succumbed to this mysterious problem:

[foxtail]

Why these keep croaking on me is still a mystery, either in pots or in the ground they always die.

redant - you are not the only one that has or is having problems with this palm. I also have lost two that I planted out from 5-gallon size plants. They grew well for about a year or so, seemingly establishing themselves growing new leaves and all and then gradually, starting with the oldest leaf, would brown until all and finally the center spike as well had died. The palm seemed well rooted in the ground (was not wobbly or anything). I've heard of a few others that have lost their young Carpoxylon similarily. Has anyone else had a problem with this palm?

I do have a rather nice Carpoxylon growing in the garden that was planted directly in the ground from a 4 inch pot and has always done well. Here is a pic of it now.

from a 4 inch pot at full sun?