INTERNATIONAL PALM DAY

[IPS President]

INTERNATIONAL PALM DAY

APRIL 17

 

In 1963 Dr. P. B. Tomlinson, a research scientist at the Fairchild Tropical (Botanical) Garden (clickable) conceived of the International Palm Year. This included funding for palm seed collecting, an “intensification” of the distribution of palm seeds and the measurement of palm growth rates worldwide. (1)

 

Later, a consortium of palm botanists and conservationists created International Palm Day which honors Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius (clickable), Professor of Botany and director of the Royal Botanic Garden in Munich. The date chosen was Martius’ birthday, April 17 (1794). 

 

Professor Matius was acclaimed for his landmark three volume reference: Natural History of Palms, published between 1823 and 1853. In fact his renown was of such magnitude that he has been acknowledged as the Father of Palms (2). Upon his death in 1868, his coffin was strewn with fresh palm fronds. 

 

International Palm Day was organized to achieve global recognition for not only palm species in jeopardy but also the fragility of palm habitats worldwide. 

 

 

AI indicates over half of palm species at risk of extinction | Kew

 

1. Principes 7(1), 1963 pp. 4-7. 

 

1. Principes, 23(4), 1979, pp. 158-170

 

[IPS President]

Don’t miss multiple posts throughout the day regarding International Palm Day under “Discussing Palms worldwide”

This important holiday pops up using AI on my phone here:

International Palm Day is observed annually on April 17th. It was established by the International Palm Society to raise awareness about endangered palm species and their fragile habitats. The date was chosen because April 17th is the birthday of Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, known as the "Father of Palms". 
 

Please also note the IPS Wikipedia page 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Palm_Society with a subsection describing PalmTalk. 
 

[kinzyjr]

@IPS President

Doing a great job providing interactive, engaging content and connecting with a younger demographic.  Keep up the great work!

[Mandrew968]

Andy is an amazing guy and I am very privileged to call him my friend-we are all lucky to have him as the IPS President.