Licuala ramsayi
Species of palm endemic to Queensland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Licuala ramsayi, commonly known as the Queensland fan palm or Australian fan palm, is a species of tree in the palm family Arecaceae which is endemic to northeastern Queensland, Australia. Two varieties are recognised: Licuala ramsayi var. ramsayi,[1] and Licuala ramsayi var. tuckeri.[2] It is the only species of the genus Licuala present in Australia.
| Licuala ramsayi | |
|---|---|
| |
| Licuala ramsayi near Mission Beach, Queensland | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Spermatophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Tribe: | Trachycarpeae |
| Genus: | Licuala |
| Species: | L. ramsayi |
| Binomial name | |
| Licuala ramsayi | |
Description
L. ramsayi is a distinctive palm with a single trunk to 16 m (52 ft) tall and 20 cm (7.9 in) diameter.[3] It has large, pleated, circular leaves up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in diameter. Petioles have formidable spines to 5 mm (0.20 in) long. The fruits are a red drupe around 10 mm (0.39 in) diameter containing a single seed.[4]
Distribution and habitat
The species grows in swamps, along riverbanks, and in rainforests in Australia. In favourable conditions it may dominate small areas, forming a "fan palm forest".[5] L. ramsayi var. tuckeri is found in Cape York Peninsula southwards to about Cooktown,[2] while L. ramsayi var. ramsayi occurs from Cooktown to the Paluma Range north of Townsville.[1]
Ecology
Trees provided an edible cabbage to Aboriginals, as well as thatch, food wrapping, and cigarette papers (from young leaves)[5] Fruits are eaten by cassowaries.[4]
Gallery
Licuala Walking Track near Wongaling Beach, Queensland
The spidery inflorescence
Dominating a section of rainforest
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