Corypha - Talipot Palm

(Cor'ypha)

DESCRIPTION: These are attractive, tropical Palms found growing in India, Africa and Java. They can grow up to 70 feet high in their native habitats. Atop their thick, erect trunks grow bunches of large, 6-12 feet in diameter, fan-shaped leaves. These are used by the natives for tents and umbrellas. They can be planted outside in the warmer parts of California and Florida. Small trees make lovely greenhouse plants.

POTTING: They need a minimum winter temperature of 55 degrees. Repotting is done in March or April. They should have compost consisting of two parts loam, one part peat and a bit of sand. They need plenty of water during the summer and they need to be sprayed off two times a day in bright weather. From September to March, much less moisture is required. They should be shaded from harsh sunlight.

PROPAGATION: Seeds can be sown in pots of sandy soil in the spring in a propagating case. The seedlings are slow growing.

VARIETIES: C. umbraculifera; C. elata.

Back to our botanical home page.