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Description
Livistona Benthamii, also known as Bentham’s fountain palm, is a species of palm tree that is native to the Northern Territory of Australia. This palm tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and has a spread of about 10 feet. It features a single, gray-brown trunk that is slightly swollen at the base and is covered with old leaf bases. Its leaves are fan-shaped, glossy green, and can grow up to 6 feet long. Its flowers are small, yellowish-white, and bloom in long sprays during the summer months. Its fruit is a round, black, and about an inch in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Arecales |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Livistona |
Appearance
Livistona Benthamii is a large, attractive palm tree with a single, gray-brown trunk that can grow up to 30 feet tall. Its leaves are fan-shaped, glossy green, and can grow up to 6 feet long. It features small, yellowish-white flowers that bloom in long sprays during the summer months. Its fruit is a round, black, and about an inch in diameter.
Care Guide
Livistona Benthamii requires moderate care and maintenance. It prefers well-draining soil and needs to be watered regularly. It should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. This palm tree needs full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of hardiness zones from 9a to 11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Livistona Benthamii is susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. It can also be affected by diseases such as leaf spot, root rot, and bud rot. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap and fungicide can help prevent infestations and infections.
Habitat
Livistona Benthamii is native to the Northern Territory of Australia, where it grows in tropical rainforests and swamps. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and prefers well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Livistona Benthamii tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, this palm tree cannot tolerate cold temperatures and should be grown in hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
Q: How often should I fertilize Livistona Benthamii?
A: This palm tree should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What should I do if my Livistona Benthamii is infested with spider mites?
A: Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap can help prevent spider mite infestations.
Q: How tall can Livistona Benthamii grow?
A: This palm tree can grow up to 30 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Livistona Australis
- Livistona Chinensis
- Livistona Decipiens
- Livistona Rotundifolia
References
- “Livistona Benthamii.” Australian National Botanic Gardens, www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2004/livistona-benthamii.html.
- “Livistona Benthamii.” Palm Trees, www.palmtrees.com/livistona-benthamii/.
- “Livistona Benthamii (Bentham’s Fountain Palm).” World Association of Palm Societies, www.palms.org/palmsjournal/2003/vol47n3p136-145.pdf.
