Split rachis

[Brian_K]

My cat palm has been putting out new leaves, no problems there.  But the rachis is split vertically part way down.  So instead of a single rachis with a regular feather appearance there is a second set of pinnae.  I thought maybe its just another spear growing out at the same time, but they are fused together.  The rachis is unusually thick as well.  Not all of the new leaves are forked.  None of the older leaves are.  Could this just be stress?

[Kamipalms]

Brian,

Do you mean the petiloe ( the bit between the leaves and the sheath)is splitting?

if so, it looks like your Cat palms is beginning to divide- this is normal

Any pics?

[Brian_K]

Yea the petiole I guess.  Thought the term rachis was used for pinnate palms.

[Kamipalms]

Defiantly the very early stages of division.

Try the search link as there was a recent post on Chamaedorea cataractarum with a similar discussion ...which may be helpful.

The rachis is the part that holds the leaf/leaves .... and you were correct, the rachis is divided in your pic's. C.cataractarum normally shows the first division within the petioles.

[Brian_K]

You are a fountain of knowledge!  That is exactly what is happening.  Thanks