variegated Arenga engleri

[Eric in Orlando]

We have several mature fruiting clumps of Arenga engleri here at Leu Gardens. Something eats and deposits seeds around the garden as we occasionally find stray seedlings or clumps of seedlings far away from mother plants. One stray seedling had variegation when it was younger. We have left that seedling in place and it is still developing nice striping on several leaves.

[Eric in Orlando]

[PalmatierMeg]

Very nice seed deposit.

[Eric in Orlando]

I hope it keeps the variegation as it matures. There is a variegated Caryota mitis planted nearby.

[Cikas]

Beautiful! 

[tropicbreeze]

I had a small Carpentaria acuminata that had variegation but it out grew that and became all green. I suspect it may have been some sort of deficiency initially and then came good. The Carpy was still smaller than your Arenga when it reverted.

[Eric in Orlando]

I grew a bunch of seedlings off a supposed Adonidia X Carpentaria. The seedlings resembled Carpentaria more than Adonidia. Several were showing variegation but then grew out of it. A couple held on to it. I gave them to SoFL growers.

[Austinpalm]

We have several mature fruiting clumps of Arenga engleri here at Leu Gardens. Something eats and deposits seeds around the garden as we occasionally find stray seedlings or clumps of seedlings far away from mother plants. One stray seedling had variegation when it was younger. We have left that seedling in place and it is still developing nice striping on several leaves.

 

 

What do you think is eating the seeds?  I thought Arenga seeds were poisonous?

Edited August 15, 2018 by Austinpalm

[Eric in Orlando]

The fruit has oxalate crystals which are stinging and very irritating to humans. Not sure what animals are eating them but most likely squirrels, raccoons, opossums, rats or birds.