Vonitra fibrosa

[realarch]

Was still referring to this fibrosa as Dypsis and thought I’d double check if there was a name change. There certainly was, it’s been moved into Vonitra. 

Planted back in 2012 or there about, it’s grown into a palm that takes up a lot of space. So much fiber on the trunk, you could actually comb and style it if so inclined. When small it was a single, then bifurcated with two trunks. Here are a few photos.

Tim

[happypalms]

Ok so Hawaii grows them bigger and better and much faster. Here’s my one planted about 23 years ago, definitely a lot slower in a subtropical climate in a dry area. 

[Jonathan]

2 hours ago, realarch said:

 

I often wondered what happened to the fourth member of ZZ Top!

[Jonathan]

Jokes aside though...why...???

What evolutionary advantage could drive an adaptation so extreme? 

[realarch]

Richard, I used to see the salmon colored new leaves when the palm was smaller and younger, but it’s been awhile now since I’ve noticed any. 

Jonathan, interesting question and I thought there might be a hypothesis as to why so much fiber, but haven’t found any information. As the palm ages, the trunk becomes clean except near the crown.

Tim 

[peachy]

On 4/23/2025 at 7:07 AM, Jonathan said:

Jokes aside though...why...???

What evolutionary advantage could drive an adaptation so extreme? 

It was intended to grow in Tasmania before the continental drift.

 

[peachy]

It's fascinating Tim and I do prefer palms that are a bit different from the run of the mill species.  Way too big for here and I would worry about snakes and rats hiding in it. I think I will just admire it from a distance.

Peachy

[realarch]

Peachy, luckily there are no snakes in Hawaii, but rats? That might cause a bit of paranoia for the next grooming appointment.

Tim