Howea

Family: Arecaceae
Common Name: Sentry Palm

This genus comprises only two species, both from Lord Howe Island. The two species were first named Kentia and they have since been commonly known by that name. Both are graceful palms with arching feathered leaves and quite distinctive, long, smooth stalks. The inflorescence is also rather uncommon, consist­ing either of a simple, unbranched spike of light brown or green flowers, depending on whether it is a male or female plant, or branched spikes. The flowers are followed by fruits containing a large, very hard seed covered with thin, fibrous flesh. The traditional potted palms of hotel lobbies and palm courts were howeas for, apart from their elegance, they can tolerate less light and lower temperatures than many other palms, and are reasonably disease-free. They are slow growing and can be left in the same containers for years. Given appropri­ate conditions, they will also grow and seed most successfully outdoors. Growing these palms is, in fact, a major industry on Lord Howe Island.

Species

H. belmoreana, sentry palm or curly palm, is the less commonly grown species. Its closely ringed trunk rarely exceeds 6 m (20 ft) in height and about 15 cm (6 in) in diameter. The inflorescence is a single spike and the shiny, green fruits ripen to a grayish green colour.

H. forsteriana, Kentia palm or thatch-leaf palm, is widely grown both indoors and outdoors in Australasia, Europe and the United States. It has a slender trunk, to about 12 m (40 ft). The inflo­rescences are branching spikes and the fruits ripen from yellow to orange, to a dull, deep red.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow these palms in a warm greenhouse or conservatory, or as house plants. They prefer soil-based potting compost enriched with shredded bark. Provide maximum light but shade from direct sun, and a humid atmosphere. Pot on only every few years, and in the interim years, topdress with fresh compost in the spring. Liquid feed monthly during the growing season. Water nor­mally in the growing season but keep the com­post only slightly moist in winter. These palms are likely to be attacked by scale insects and red spider mites, which need to he kept under con­trol. Outdoors grow in well-drained soil with partial shade or full sun. Propagate from seed sown as soon as it has ripened and germinate it in a temperature of 26°C (79° F).

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 9, or zone 10.

 
Hovenia      Hoya