The Palmateer
Volume 38, Number 3 Central Florida Palm & Cycad Society December 2016 CFPACS Visited Montgomery & Fairchild in Early December
The CFPACS crew at Montgomery, ready to explore. December 3rd. (Photo by Tracy Magellan)
Patrick gave an overview of Montgomery’s history, starting as a private estate of Col. Robert Montgomery, and his wife Nell, and turning into a botanical re- search center. Montgomery was The CFPACS adventure in early Most of the visitors had never director, personally conducted a personal friend of David Fair- December took 40 members to been to Montgomery before. It’s the day-long tour. For the lame, child. Miami for a two-day event. Folks not open to the public. Mont- the halt, and the just plain weary, Palm-lovers tend to have one arrived in Miami on Friday after- gomery is a research facility—120 golf carts manned by employees, palm of a particular exotic spe- noon and evening, staying mostly acres--studying palms and cycads mostly university students, took cies, maybe one of every species at the Country Inn off Kendall from its own plants grown from us to the far-flung corners of the they could locate and/or afford. Drive, ready to be up early on habitat-collected seed. property. We were the only peo- (Home lots are usually fairly Saturday (December 3 rd ) to go to To all of us, this was a visit to the ple there. A pleasant meeting small.) Montgomery. candy store. Patrick Griffith, the room was the starting point as (Continued on page 3) December 2016 2 The Palmateer
Twilight , Veitchias in the median on Hill Drive in front of the hotel where the CFPACS delegation stayed in Mi- ami. We’re not in Central Florida any more! (Photo by John Kennedy)
This is the December issue of The Palmateer which should have been posted around Thanksgiving, a week CONTENTS before the December Miami trip. It Montgomery and Fairchild visit 1 has been delayed in the mail. Chihuly Glass at Fairchild 10 —The Editor Biltmore House 11 Palms on Reunion Island 13 Seed Bank report 23 From the Editor’s Desk 23 President’s Message 22 The Palmateer Membership information Board List The Palmateer is published four times a year: March, June, September, and December by Central Florida Palm & Cycad Society, a chapter of the International Palm Society and of The Cycad Society. The views expressed are not the official positions of the society nor of its Board. No material may be re-printed or reproduced without permission.
©2017 Central Florida Palm & Cycad Society
The closing date for submission of material for the next issue is the 1st of the month preceding publication. The Palmateer Central Florida Palm & Cycad Society 3225 13th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32960-3825 (772) 567-9587 Editor: John D. Kennedy [email protected] December 2016 3 The Palmateer
MORE . came to realize that not all visi- Fairchild before. The collection Montgomery & Fairchild Saturday evening was highly so- tors actually made it to the gift of palms and cycads was as daz- (Continued from page 1) cial, with many members enjoy- shop, then located in a separate zling as ever. In addition, there At Montgomery , however, there ing a convivial dinner and good building. With the change, how- was an exhibit of Chihuly glass are groves of the same species, beverages at adjacent tables on a ever, no one escapes the gift and an exhibit of landscape pho- aiding seed collection—which terrace overlooking the lake be- shop. It must be said that few tography. partially supports the center— hind the hotel. Much to talk people would wish to. With such —John Kennedy and also aiding observation of over, to assimilate the day’s ex- a vast array of botanical books particular species. perience. and small gifts with botanical Back to the meeting room to rest Sunday was to Fairchild. In yes- themes/decoration, it would be a bit and eat lunch—most had teryear, the entrance to Fairchild nearly impossible to resist temp- brought packed coolers from was not through the gift shop. tation. home—then back out to see Wise heads at Fairchild likely Many members have been to
Below, the scenic vista of the distant Mont- gomery house. (Photo by Mike Evans)
Above, the lake at Montgomery . Right, Corypha utan there. Note the figure at the palm’s base. (Photos by Mike Ricigliano) December 2016 4 The Palmateer
Cycas chamaoensis Cycas macrocarpa Cycas pectinata
A Sampler
Some Cycads at Montgomery Photos by Libby Luedeke Cycas petracea December 2016 5 The Palmateer Below, Attalea cohune and Roystonea oleracea at Montgomery. (Photo by Mike Ricigliano)
Where Saturday began: the meeting room , Montgomery Botanical Center. Below, Director Patrick Griffith on tour with the group . (Photo by Mike Evans)
Above, Coccothrinax camaguey- ana in center. Tall palm unidenti- fied, another Coccothrinax ? Left, foreground, two Braheaa sarukhanii also at Montgomery. (Photos by Libby Luedeke) December 2016 6 The Palmateer
Patrick Griffith points out how the natural Typical at Montgomery, a grove of a single ridge was blasted out by Col. Montgomery so species, here Roystonea oleracea . that his wife Nell would have a better view (Photo by Mike Evans) from the house. This would not be allowed in the present day. (Photo by Mike Evans)
Coccothrinax barbadensis happy at Montgomery. (Photo by Libby Luedeke) December 2016 7 The Palmateer
Patrick Griffith before the map of Montgomery Botanical Center in the meeting room. (Photo by Maryann Krisovitch)
Above, a small vista at Montgomery. What everyone should have in his/ Right, man-sized Hemithrinax ekmanii. her backyard: Corypha umbracu- Palms. The photographer at left is Keith lifera at Montgomery. Santner,CFPACS treasurer. (Photo by Mike Ricigliano) (Photos by Mike Ricigliano) December 2016 8 The Palmateer
Left, Montgomery’s Nypa fruticans closely observed by Keith Santner and Jerry Luedeke. Right, no, Mary- ann, its fruit is not edible. (Photos by Mike Evans)
Attalea cohune forest at Mont- Chamaerops humilis, var. gomery. argentea at Montgomery. (Photo by Mike Evans ) (Photo by Libby Luedeke ) December 2016 9 The Palmateer
The way to see just about everything around One of Fairchild’s well-armed Fairchild while comfortably seated is the tram denizens, Salacca magnifica, tour. See anyone you recognize on the tram? left. A bove, a close-up.. (Photo by Maryann Krisovitch) (Photo by Maryann Krisovitch) December 2016 10 The Palmateer
Chihuly Glass at Fairchild
By Maryann Krisovitch orange koi and blue cichlids and When I wander around a garden, amidst palms and tropical foliage. public or private, the artwork the I could have stayed there all day! owner has chosen to include al- Understanding that Chihuly has ways catches my eye. Nature had a lifelong fascination for herself is the ultimate artist and glasshouses which had grown we can only hope to add to her into a series of exhibitions within masterpieces. botanical settings just made One of my favorite artists is Dale sense. Chihuly. The first time one of his His Garden Cycle began in 2001 pieces made me stop and stare at the Garfield Park Conservatory was in a casino in the Bahamas. in Chicago. Chihuly exhibited at The amazing colors and move- the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, ment are always breathtaking. I near London, in 2005. Fairchild am happily surprised when I couldn’t be in better company. come across another one of his Chihuly has been exhibiting at works. Fairchild since 2006 with the Well, as it turns out, during our pieces changing every so often. recent CFPACS trip to Fairchild What a beautiful way to cap off a Botanical Garden, I was treated gorgeous day in the garden! to not, one, not two, but three pieces. My favorite, and the most colorful, was hanging in a conservatory above a pond of December 2016 11 The Palmateer
BILTMORE HOUSE, A NORTH CAROLINA ATTRACTION
Biltmore House was once a Vanderbilt’s chateau. Right, its summertime terrace.
By Libby Luedeke ning with its French Renaissance hold! Their love of gardening ex- dens and hiking trails lead you to I’m a native of North Carolina. I Era design and décor, but the tended beyond native plants to the beautiful greenhouse. It is grew up near Asheville and as a grounds are stunning as well. In include a lovely atrium and filled much as it had been in the child I was fortunate enough to 1889 George Vanderbilt having greenhouse. You could think of it 1890’s with palms, cycads, tropi- visit Biltmore House several times visited the area decided to build as a tiny piece of Kew Gardens cals, succulents and orchids. I am and this past summer after many his home. It’s a 250 room cha- brought to America. quite the novice when it comes years, I took a day to visit with teau with 35 bedrooms, 43 bath- The atrium is filled with several to recognizing species, but I could my son. rooms and 65 fireplaces. It took lush tropical varieties. Unfortu- identify a few Triangles, Bis- For anyone who hasn’t had a six years to build. nately the palms aren’t labeled. marcks and Veitchia s. chance to explore this part of the I’m sure by now you’re thinking But you can see from the pictures If you ever venture into the area, United States, it is highly recom- what does this have to do with they are wide and varied. Every- it’s worth the trip. mended. The home alone is stun- palms and cycads, but lo and be- thing from lily ponds, formal gar- December 2016 12 The Palmateer
Two views of the atrium in Biltmore House, near Ashe- ville, N. C.
The exterior of the greenhouse at Biltmore (above) and inside (left and right). December 2016 13 The Palmateer
By Mike Merritt than having violent eruptions. After leaving the October 2015 Searching for Palms on Reunion Is- Joint agreements for scientific IPS interim board meeting on Isle exchanges have been made be- de St. Marie, Madagascar, I trav- well-developed with a thriving, tween the USGS Hawaiian Vol- eled to the Indian Ocean island of cano Observatory and the vol- Reunion for additional palm ad- mainly French, tourist industry. The local currency is the Euro. cano observatory at Piton de la ventures . Fournaise. Hawaiian Volcanoes History, Geology, and Palm Mauritius was occupied by the British early in the 19 th century, National Park and the La Reunion Genera and the original name was re- national park have signed an stored. The Republic of Mauritius agreement recognizing each Reunion, Mauritius , and Rodri- is now an independent nation, other as “sister parks”. gues comprise the Mascarene and Rodrigues (named after its (Continued on page 14) Islands, located in the western Portuguese discoverer), is a prov- Indian Ocean off the coast of ince of Mauritius. Madagascar. Discovered by the Photo 2: Dictyosperma album, Portuguese several hundred Geologically, the three islands var. conjugatum, in Parc des years ago, Reunion was settled by were formed as a volcanic hot- Palmiers. (Photo by Mike Merritt) the French under the name Ile spot track by eastward move- Bourbon (after the ruling French ment of the African tec- monarchy) and Mauritius was tonic plate over a vent in settled by the Dutch, deriving its Photo 1: Acanthophoenix rubra , the earth’s crust. Reunion name from a Dutch nobleman. without spines, in Hoarau gar- is the youngest island, and After the Dutch left Mauritius, den. has an active volcano, Pi- the French settled the island and ton de la Fournaise (Peak renamed it Isle de France. Reun- time), Ile Bourbon again (after of the Furnace). Like ion became Ile de la Reunion af- the Bourbon restoration), then Ile Mauna Loa and Kilauea on ter the French Revolution, the de la Reunion (for good) after the Hawaii Island, Piton de le name derived from a key event in restoration of the French Repub- Fournaise is a shield vol- the revolutionary effort. It be- lic. Reunion is now an overseas cano, one that produces came Ile Bonaparte (for a short department of France, and is abundant lava flows rather December 2016 14 T he Palmateer
Palms on Reunion Left,Photo 3: Acantho- (Continued from page 13) phoenix rousselii in Parc des Palmiers. I had several interests in journey- Right, Photo 4: Group ing to Reunion. First, I wanted to discussion at Parc des observe a wild population of La- Palmiers. Yannick Gi- tania lontaroides (the “red la- bralta (red shirt), Alain tan”) to settle my questions Hoarau (white hair & about the morphological charac- camera), Lazaro teristics of the natural, unhybrid- Priegues (behind ized members of the species. As Alain), Jean-Francois Latania species (the others being Padre (black shirt). L. verschaffeltii , the “yellow la- (Mike Merritt photos) rainfall is sufficient. The western tan”, from Rodrigues Island and L. and southwestern parts of the loddigesii , the “blue latan”, from island where much of the popula- Mauritius) are dioecious (it takes The heart of this species is con- tion, and the two palm gardens two palms, one with male flowers sidered to be bitter and undesir- we visited on the first day, is genera, such as Acanthophoenix , and another with female flowers, able for human consumption. The somewhat dry, like the western Dictyosperma , and Hyophorbe to produce viable seeds), and as heart of Latania lontaroides has side of Hawaii Island. species. Many of these species, the different species are often been similarly described. and the Latania species, have grown together in gardens, many, Several months in advance, I con- become rare in habitat because if not most, seed collections from The Palm Gardens tacted Jean-Francois Padre cultivated settings produce plants of urban and agricultural devel- (“Hery” on the IPS Palm Talk fo- that have genes from more than opment and because the palm Another opportunity that beck- rum) to ask for advice. Jean- one species. hearts of some of these species oned from Reunion was a chance Francois is a member of are edible and tasty. Relict wild to visit several remarkable palm Palmeraie-Union, the local IPS I was also interested in seeing populations only exist today in gardens. Like Hawaii Island, Re- chapter. On his suggestion, I of- natural populations of other en- relatively inaccessible locations. fered other members of the IPS One exception is Hyophorbe in- union Island is tropical, and tropi- demic Mascarene Island palm (Continued on page 15) dica , native to Reunion Island. cal palms can be grown where December 2016 15 The Palmateer
me to the house of another the Acanthophoenix species is Palms on Reunion Palmeraie-Union member, where After lunch , we went to the first included in an article prepared (Continued from page 14) we joined Lazz and other chapter garden. Located near the south- for the Palms Journal by Nicole board the possibility of joining a members, including Alain Hoarau western coast a short distance Ludwig (2006a), a resident of La group that would receive help (“Palmito”), for a Reunion-style from St. Pierre, it is owned by Reunion. Ludwig describes A. ru- and support from Reunion palm lunch. Jean-Francois and Alain, a Serge Hoarau (not related to bra as losing spines as the height enthusiasts. Several members palm seed and plant seller, spoke Alain). Among the many palms of the palm increases. considered the suggestion, but relatively good English, and Lazz from around the world was a when I arrived in Reunion, I was spoke fluent French, so commu- beautiful young specimen of the Acanthophoenix rubra is found accompanied only by Lazaro nication was easy, with Lazz do- species Acanthophoenix rubra on both Reunion and Mauritius, Priegues (Lazz), an IPS member ing me the big favor of pausing (photo 1). This specimen was and there is speculation about from Miami. I was met at the air- frequently to translate the con- without spines. A detailed discus- the possible existence of port by Jean-Francois, who took versation for my benefit. sion of various differences among “Reunion” and “Mauritius” forms. Wild populations are found on Mauritius, but, on Re- Photo 6: Trail over rocky riverbed, part of the union, all populations appear to Mafate Crater trek. (Photo by Mike Merritt) be associated with human settle- ments. Meyer et al (2008) sug- gests the possibility that A. rubra may not be endemic to Reunion, but may have been introduced from Mauritius by early settlers to be farmed for its cabbage. Jean-Francois does not agree, pointing out that the first descrip- tion of A. rubra in 1800 by Bory de St. Vincent was based on trees Photo 5: Juvenile specimen of the “coastal found on Reunion long before form” of Latania lontaroides. there was a palm heart industry. (Photo by Alain Hoarau) Nevertheless, Acanthophoenix December 2016 16 The Palmateer
whereas the undersides of A. Photo 7: Ad- Palms on Reunion rousselii leaves are green. The axial side of leaf (Continued from page 15) rubra is presently grown com- fruits and seeds of A. rousselii are from a juvenile, distinctly larger than those of A. 1 m ot trunk, of mercially and harvested for palm heart (Ludwig, 2006a). rubra . A formal description of Latania lontar- Acanthophoenix rousselii was oides “wild The second garden that we vis- provided by Ludwig (2006a). form,” collected from the lower ited, Parc des Palmiers, covers 20 hectares (50 acres) near the- Nowhere did I see Acanthophoe- Mafate Crater nix crinita . Upon inquiring, I population. southwestern town of Le Tampon and contains a worldwide selec- learned that A. crinita was a mon- (Photo by Mike tane species that required the Merritt) tion of palms. This park is well- known and distinctive enough to abundant moisture that they re- be on the attraction lists of some ceived in the mountains of Reun- ion. In the somewhat dry coastal professional tour groups. Reun- ion species in the park include a lowlands of western and south- young Dictyosperma album, var. western Reunion, they do not conjugatum (photo 2), and a thrive. I was advised by Jean- Photo 8: Flow- young Acanthophoenix rousselii Francois, however, that they ering male La- (photo 3). My hosts described the might do quite well in the wet tania lontar- conjugatum variety as smaller windward part of Hawaii Island oides in the up- than D. album, var. album , the where I reside. Before leaving per Mafate Cra- variety familiar to landscapers in Parc des Palmiers, I obtained a ter population. Hawaii and the rest of the tropi- picture of our little group (photo (Photo by Alain cal world, and as having thicker 4). Hoarau) leaflets that are joined at their tips. A. rousselii is generally simi- The Mafate Crater Trek lar to A. rubra except that the undersides of A. rubra leaflets have a white indumentum, (Continued on page 17) December 2016 17 The Palmateer
genes from more than one spe- Palms on Reunion cies. Jean-Francois believes that (Continued from page 16) the possible hybridization of “coastal form” palms can be as- Some Reunion palmophiles di- Left, close up of vide Latania lontaroides into two sessed by observing the number male flowers of a groups, the “coastal form” and of years to reproductive maturity. male Latania lon- the “wild (Mafate) form”. The He estimates that an unhybrid- taroides in the up- common examples of this species ized L. lontaroides normally takes over 30 years to reach maturity, per Mafate Crater that are widely planted for land- population. scaping on the island and used while L. verschaffeltii takes only for the harvesting of seeds for 15 years and L. loddigesii takes a export are the “coastal form”. mere 6 to 8 years. Ludwig (2006b) describes a popu- lation of L. lontaroides near the A visit to the location of the “wild southern coast that may have form” seemed to be most consis- originated before human settle- tent with my purpose of viewing ment but whose survival could unhybridized individuals of this partly owe to anthropogenic as- species. Alain has told me that sistance. Jean-Francois regards there are plans to prepare a de- Right, close up of these palms as examples of the tailed comparison chart of the crown of female “coastal form”. characteristics of the “coastal Latania lontar- form” and the “wild form”. Such oides , Mafate Cultivated palms of L. lontaroides a comparison of the forms is be- Crater popula- “coastal form” on Reunion have yond the scope of this article (in tion, showing un- the same aspect as Latania palms fact, I did not get a good look at ripe fruit. in the rest of the world in that individuals of the “coastal form”), (Both photos by the three species have been but the comparison would partly Alain Hoarau) planted together for many years, involve morphological character- and L. lontaroides “coastal form” istics of adult and juvenile speci- trees and their seeds may have (Continued on page 18) December 2016 18 The Palmateer
Far left, Photo 11: pair of juvenile Latania lontaroides, Mafate Crater population. Near left, Photo 12: In- dumentum on petiole bases of male Latania lontaroides in Mafate Crater population. (Photos by Alain Hoarau)
photographic documentation of Palms on Reunion “wild form” specimens. (Continued from page 17) mens. Some Reunion palmo- Subject to these reservations, I philes, including Nicole Ludwig was told that juveniles of the according to Jean-Francois, do “coastal form” had larger and not recognize two forms of L. lon- more reddish leaves that are not taroides . The botanical status of as stiff as those of the “wild the proposed forms is beyond the form.” Alain has provided a pho- scope of this article, which, in re- tograph of a juvenile of the lation to the Latania genus, has “coastal form” (photo 5). the sole purposes of describing Photo 13: Dictyosperma album (left) and Acantho- the trip to visit a “wild form” To see the “wild form” popula- phoenix rousselii (right) in pasture near Le Tampon. population and providing some tion required a rigorous hike to These trees may be about 200 years old. (Continued on page 19) (Photo by Mike Merritt) December 2016 19 The Palmateer
but there was not a hint of it in- Palms on Reunion side. Their grown son and daugh- (Continued from page 18) ter joined us for one or more one of the areas where they re- meals. Lazz boarded with Nicole main, in the Cirque de Mafate Ludwig. (Mafate Crater), an extinct vol- cano in the west-central part of My feet had somewhat improved the island. However, I needed to after a good night’s sleep, so I put consider my physical condition. on my running shoes and was My knees and feet were painful, driven to the first staging point which I attributed to the long last for the Mafate Crater trek. Here day’s hike in the Satranala Re- we transferred to four-wheeled serve in Madagascar, and I was drive vehicles for the rough drive concerned about what I would be up a river bed to the second stag- able to do the next day. (I now ing point, fording the river six or know that a medical condition, seven times. From this point, the not the hiking, was responsible trek was by foot, mostly along a for the condition of my lower ex- riverbed filled with rocks (photo tremities.) 6). After a while, it was clear that I was holding the group back, so I was taken to the house of Serge most of the group went ahead Photo 14: Mike Merritt & Alain Hoarau standing at and Christine Hoarau, who had while Jean-Francois remained be- base of Acanthophoenix rousselii in pasture near Le agreed to board me for the three hind with me. Tampon. (Photo by Jean-Francois Padre) nights. Serge is a medical doctor, and his house is an intriguing After an hour or two, Jean- maze of sections going in various Francois and I reached the loca- directions and having various tion of the first of the wild purposes (office, music room, Latanias . From a river crossing, I guest room, etc.). At times, the had seen a group of palms nearly wind howled violently outside, (Continued on page 20) December 2016 20 The Palmateer
Photo 16: Close up of juvenile Latania lontar- Photo 15: Close up of leaf of Latania lontaroides oides “wild form” in garden of Max Félicité, “wild form” in garden of Max Félicité. Seeds col- showing lack of indumentums on leaf bases. lected from the Mafate Crater population. The other, more mature, specimen did have in- (Photo by Mike Merritt) dumentums. Seeds collected from Mafate Crater population. ( Photo by Mike Merritt)
alone to reconnoiter. When he Palms on Reunion returned, he reported that the m (3.3 ft) of trunk. This group of ther up the canyon to the loca- (Continued from page 19) way ahead was difficult, and that palms did not have any mature, tion of a larger grove of the “wild concealed in a patch of forest. the climb to the palm grove was flowering trees. form”, which contained mature From a shady spot above the especially difficult. But he male and female palms, the latter river where we took a break, I brought back a frond from one of At this point, I decided that I had bearing fruit, unfortunately not could see a Latania lontaroides the Latania lontaroides in the hill- done more than enough, and mature. The final part of the trek high on the side of a cliff, but the side grove (photo 7). Jean- Jean-Francois and I began the dif- required a difficult climb. Alain, at grove in the forest was not visi- Francois reported that the palm ficult return trip. The remainder the age of 61, was unfazed and ble. Jean-Francois went ahead providing the frond had about 1 of the group had continued fur- (Continued on page 21) December 2016 21 The Palmateer
The Acanthophoenix rousselii Gaston Roussel, has a policy of cording to Jean-Francois, Max Palms on Reunion Grove allowing the rare endemics on was searching for specimens of a (Continued from page 20) the property to survive undis- rare endemic Reunion tree spe- took a series of photos from the On the morning of my last day, turbed. Photo 13 shows the cies about 15 years ago when he grove. Alain and Jean-Francois took me crowns of a Dictysperma album spotted the fronds of the palms. to a pasture near Le Tampon in and an Acanthophoenix rousselii He returned later for a closer A male tree with two large inflo- the interior of the semi-dry near one another. There are look. At some point, he collected rescences is shown in photo 8. A southwest to see a group of two- some rare endemic non-palm and germinated seeds from this close up of the male flowers is hundred-year-old Dictyosperma trees behind the A. rousselii . Dif- grove. shown as photo 9. A closer view album and Acanthophoenix rous- ferences in the species are evi- of a female tree in fruit is shown selii . This is the only known loca- dent in the photo. A. rousselii has Lunch was the first order of busi- as photo 10. A pair of juveniles is tion where the latter species is a light gray trunk, a shorter and ness, and we dined on octopus shown in photo 11 and a close up found (Ludwig, 2006a). Ludwig thicker crownshaft, and longer, stew with a typical Reunion side of the petioles of a flowering speculates that A. rousselii is the more pendulous leaflets that ex- dish, lentils on rice. Afterward, male tree is shown (photo 12) to only Acanthophoenix species tend from the rachis at a less we went up a hill on the property illustrate the tomentum at the adapted to this climatic region, as acute angle than the leaflets of D. to view very old male and female base of the petioles. Not every A. rubra is adapted to the wet album . Photo 14 shows the au- Latania lontaroides of indetermi- mature tree showed this much lowlands of the east coast and A. thor and Alain Hoarau standing nate form. Nearby were two ju- tomentum. crinita is adapted to a wet mon- near the base of one of the A. veniles of the “wild form” that tane environment. She also rousselii . Max had planted. Photography In the evening, Serge and Chris- speculates that the rarity of A. was difficult because we were in tine prepared a feast. They were rousselii could be due to the ex- Cultivated Latania lontaroides dense vegetation. Photo 15 joined by their two grown chil- tinction of some larger bird spe- “wild form” shows a leaf from one of these dren, Lazz and myself, Jean- cies that may have distributed that had a short length of trunk, Francois, and Alain. The salad, the seeds, distinctly larger than After we left the pasture of rare probably less than 1 foot (0.3 m). made from palm heart of Dic- those of the other two species. palms, we traveled to the home Photo 16 shows the base of the tyosperma album , was especially and garden of Max Félicité, the other, less developed, plant appreciated by the assembled The pasture is used for growing discoverer of the grove of the showing petioles that lacked the group. hay, and fortunately had just “wild form” of Latania lontar- been mowed. The landowner, oides in the Mafate Crater. Ac- (Continued on page 22) December 2016 22 The Palmateer
Palms on Reunion and Alain Hoarau were the (Continued from page 21) sources of much information PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE tomentum that was present on about palm species of the Mas- the more developed plant. carene Islands. What a wonderful time everyone had in But now it was time for me to Miami. Montgomery was just awesome rush to the airport in St. Denis, as Literature Cited along with the pleasure of Fairchild the I was in danger of missing the next day. Well, I don't know about anyone first of five flights (total flight Ludwig, Nicole. 2006a. Acantho- else but, I was on a palm high. I would like time of 31 hours) that would take phoenix in Reunion, Mascarene to offer my thanks. First, shout out to Mike me halfway around the world to Islands. Palms 50: 82-98. Evans and his connections for making the my home on the Big Island. To- Montgomery trip happen. Thanks also to gether with the Madagascar tour, Ludwig, Nicole. 2006b. A Red La- Dr. Patrick Griffith and his excellent staff for it had been a very memorable tan Population on the South hosting us. The compliment Dr. Griffith journey. Coast of Reunion. Palms 50: 137- paid CFPACS is one I wish to share. He said 141. that we were one of the best organizations Acknowledgements he has hosted in a long time. It was great Meyer, Jean-Ives, Christophe to hear such positive feedback about our I am greatly in debt to Jean- Lavergne AND Donald R. Hodel. group. Francois Padre and his Palmeraie- 2008. Time Bombs in Gardens: Union colleagues for transporta- Invasive Ornamental Palms in I would like to close by wishing all of you a tion around La Reunion, and to Tropical Islands, With Emphasis Happy New Year! I wish you warmth for Jean-Francois for getting me to on French Polynesia (Pacific your tropicals and your families. Grow and from the airport and for his Ocean) and the Mascarenes stronger in what I hope is a mild winter help during the Mafate Crater (Indian Ocean). Palms 52: 71-83. with decent rainfall. trek. Jean-Francois also arranged Looking forward to seeing all of you at for me to be boarded for three Anne Michael’s home in March . nights at the home of Serge and Dave Hall Christine Hoarau. Jean-Francois December 2016 23 The Palmateer Seed Bank From the Editor’s Desk
3rd Quarter Report 4th Quarter Report A good bit of this issue has been visit to Montgomery. The few
The third quarter has been inter- Thanks to our trip to Montgom- devoted to the CFPACS 2-day trip downed fronds visible probably esting. Jerry’s Facebook friends ery Botanical Center, and to John to Miami. Montgomery was liter- fell that morning. My clean up on continue to participate in our of- Kennedy, Tommy Armour and ally stupefying. I mean, I have a half acre isn’t nearly as good. ferings. We’ve had sales of about Tom Broome we had some seeds one individual of about 82 spe- Maybe I should inquire, for all of $270.00. Considering how few to offer. So our numbers came up cies of palm—just like other us, how this is done. (Probably seeds we have at the moment, just in time for the end of the members. At Montgomery, how an army of cleaner uppers.) that’s not too bad. We had hoped year. We had sales of $183.00 about groves of the same spe- * * * * to get over to Rob Branch’s to this quarter. Next quarter we cies? I must admit to being really I have to admit, also, that I got collect more, but we haven’t hope to get seeds from Anne Mi- creeped out by 12 or 14 Acroco- over-stimulated at Montgomery. managed to retrieve them as of chael so that should boost us up mia aculeata growing together. Parents know that their 5-year- yet. Thanks so much to all who for next year. Thanks to all who My single most regretted palm, old can only take so much before donate and support our seed- have donated and bought seeds. mine with only about 8 feet of he/she blanks out. I’m not 5 bank. For anyone who would like It all goes to continuing our cause trunk (grown from seed that took (true) but after a while can’t ab- to donate seeds the address is: and providing food at meetings. three years to germinate). sorb any more. For me to truly Jerry Luedeke Have a Healthy and Happy New Spines 3 inches long every- ‘get’ Montgomery (minimally) 117 E Connecticut Ave. Year! where—no squirrel or lizard runs would require my coming for Edgewater, FL 32132 Libby and Jerry Luedeke up this palm trunk. Montgom- ery’s were half again as big as about an hour every other day Seed Bank Coordinators for at least a week. A total dip, mine. It these palms had legs, Miami would be endangered. in one shot, as we did, wipes me
* * * * out. Good thing there are pic- tures. We all know how much trash * * * * palms create. Amazing that so little was evident the day of our (Continued on page 24) December 2016 24 The Palmateer
From the Editor’s Desk who buy and plant one small palm at a time. And Montgom- That’s not an ear of corn in the ery was quiet but for our voices. picture at left. It’s my 40-foot (Continued from page 23) * * * * Arenga pinnata downed by Hurri- I rode to and from Miami in cane Matthew in early October. president Dave Hall’s truck with I asked a couple of questions of a The palm had never flowered but his longtime girlfriend, Tracy Fairchild volunteer waiting to has now, in its last moments put Hines, and her friend, Cassie. drive one of the trams. She said out the unopened inflorescence. Tracy packed a sumptuous lunch to me, “You’re from Philadel- In addition, two smaller inflores- for Saturday (hey, shrimp !) and phia.” “How do you know?” I cences have appeared, not yet so for Sunday (shrimpless). Way asked. “It’s in your voice.” far along. About a foot of the above my touch and, therefore, When I listened, I heard it in her huge rootball is still in the much enjoyed. OK, Dave, where voice, too. Just a bit nasal, accent ground. do we go next? Kew? Had a sometimes mocked by Noo- —John Kennedy great time, I did, with these Yawkuhs. friendly, chatty people. * * * * * * * * Meant to ask Patrick Griffith, There are many more pictures of Montgomery’s director, what was Montgomery than of Fairchild. the latest NEW palm that every- Most of us have been to Fairchild one should have. But I forgot. at one time or another, so it has a Also, as a senior geezer, I find my- sort of familiarity. But Montgom- self less than interested in palms ery was a new experience for just that will develop a trunk in 20 about all of us, very different. It years. For those of you aged 50 A March meeting is in the planning stages.— still carries with it the feel of an or below, you need not hesitate probably for the east coast. Details of the estate rather than of an attrac- to acquire such a palm date and place(s) have not been finalized at tion. The spaciousness of Mont- this time. Members will be notified as soon gomery is what impressed this as everything is worked out. John Kennedy small homeowner. The idea of — The Editor intelligent placement—in num- bers—is mind-boggling to folks December 2016 25 The Palmateer
John Kennedy took pictures at Fairchild palms of the same species that he has. His whine: “Theirs are bigger than mine.”
Every December publication should have a Merry Hanukkah wreath. So, here it is (below).
Cryosophila stauracantha This is bigger than mine, too.
Astrocaryum mexicanum Carpoxylon macrocarpum December 2016 26 The Palmateer
Cryosophila williamsii at Fairchild. (Photo by John Kennedy) Euphorbia punicea at Fairchild. Pretty red flowers similar to those on its relative, Crown-of-Thorns. (Photo by John Kennedy)
Corypha utan flowering at Fairchild. (Photo by Maryann Krisovitch) December 2016 27 The Palmateer
Join CFPACS PayPal Tutorial Please print Here is how to make a payment to CFPACS The International Palm Name______using PayPal Street______1) Log on to http://www.paypal.com Society (IPS) 9300 Sandstone Street City______2) If you have a PayPal account, log into your State, account. If you do not have a PayPal account, Austin, TX 78737-1135 Regular membership, $55, County______click on the Personal tab. Once on the ‘ ’ quarterly journal Zip______‘Personal ’ page go to ‘Send Money ’ and then http://palms.org Email______Phone (area)______Send Money Online. ‘ ’ Wish to be added to Seed Bank E-mail list? 3) Once on the ‘Send Money ’ page, type (Circle one) YES NO ‘[email protected] ’ in the ‘To ’ field. Willing to be listed publicly in roster? (Circle one) YES NO Type in your email address in the ‘From ’ field Mail check made out to CFPACS and the amount you wish to pay in the (domestic: $20 one year; $55 three years; ‘Amount ’ field. foreign: US$20 one year) to: 4) From there you will be taken to a secure The Cycad Society Maryann Krisovitch page where you can enter your name, ad- 11701 Barchetta Drive Membership Chair dress and credit card information. Austin, TX 78758 1008 Little Fawn Court 5) When you are ready to finish up the pay- Regular membership, $35, Apopka, FL 32712 ment process, please indicate whether your quarterly newsletter [email protected] payment is for membership or seeds or t- http://cycad.org Membership also available at website: shirts in the message field. www.cfpacs.com Those joining before October 1 have access to all four issues of The Palmateer for the current year. December 2016 28 The Palmateer
The Central Florida Palm & Cycad Society ser- vice area includes the following counties: Alachua, Brevard, Citrus, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsbor- ough, Indian River, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, and CFPACS Board PRESIDENT SECRETARY Volusia. David Hall Chuck Grieneisen P.O. Box 1542 PO Box 621689 New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170 Oviedo FL 32762 [email protected] [email protected]
EAST VICE-PRESIDENT TREASURER Janice Broda Keith Santner 12396 Hwy. A1A 8 Cherry Blossom Ln. Vero Beach, FL 32963 Winter Haven, FL 33884 [email protected] [email protected]
CENTRAL VICE-PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP CHAIR/ Terrence Williams ASSISTANT TREASURER 420 La Paz Dr. Maryann Krisovitch Kissimmee, FL 34743 1008 Little Fawn Ct. [email protected] Apopka, FL32712 [email protected] WEST VICE-PRESIDENT Mike Evans PALMATEER EDITOR 6015 - 100th Way N. John Kennedy St. Petersburg FL 33708 3225 - 13th St. [email protected] Vero Beach FL 32960 [email protected] IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT Ron Hart CFPACS SEED BANK 1008 Little Fawn Ct. Jerry & Libby Luedeke Apopka, FL 32712 117 E. Connecticut Ave. [email protected] Edgewater, FL 32132 [email protected]
DIRECTOR Marjorie Evans gives scale to Pseudophoenix ekmanii Michael Ricigliano at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Dec. 4th. 11 Palm Dr. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 (Photo by husband Mike) [email protected]