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Description
Dictyosperma Album, commonly known as the Princess Palm or Hurricane Palm, is a tropical palm tree native to the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean. It is a slow-growing palm that can reach up to 50 feet tall, with a slender trunk that is up to 12 inches in diameter. The trunk is ringed with old leaf scars, and the crown of the tree is composed of 15-25 long, arching fronds that can grow up to 10 feet in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Arecales |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Dictyosperma |
Appearance
Dictyosperma Album has a slender trunk that is ringed with old leaf scars, and a crown composed of long, arching fronds. The fronds can grow up to 10 feet in length and have a bright green color. The leaves are pinnate, with numerous leaflets that are arranged in a feather-like pattern. The tree produces small, white flowers that are followed by small, round fruits that turn black when ripe.
Care Guide
To care for Dictyosperma Album, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and protection from cold temperatures.Water: This palm tree requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.Fertilization: Fertilize the palm tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 3-4 months during the growing season.Soil: The palm tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Dictyosperma Album requires bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in slow growth and smaller fronds.Hardiness Zones: This palm tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dictyosperma Album is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can infest the palm tree and cause damage to the leaves and trunk.Diseases: Fusarium wilt, a fungal disease, can cause yellowing and wilting of the fronds. Phytophthora bud rot, another fungal disease, can cause the fronds to turn brown and die.
Habitat
Dictyosperma Album is native to the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean. It prefers moist, tropical climates and can be found growing in rainforests and other humid environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dictyosperma Album be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this palm tree can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect sunlight and adequate water and fertilizer.
Q: How often should I fertilize Dictyosperma Album?
A: Fertilize the palm tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 3-4 months during the growing season.
Q: What should I do if my Dictyosperma Album is infested with pests?
A: Treat the infestation with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and prune away any heavily infested leaves.
Q: Can Dictyosperma Album tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, this palm tree is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold temperatures.
Related Plants
Other plants in the genus Dictyosperma include:
- Dictyosperma furfuraceum
- Dictyosperma album var. conjugatum
- Dictyosperma aureum
References
- “Dictyosperma Album.” Floridata. Accessed 11 June 2021. <https://floridata.com/plant/557>.
- “Dictyosperma Album – Princess Palm.” Plant Care Today. Accessed 11 June 2021. <https://plantcaretoday.com/dictyosperma-album.html>.
- “Princess Palm (Dictyosperma Album).” The Spruce. Accessed 11 June 2021. <https://www.thespruce.com/princess-palm-dictyosperma-album-1902777>.
