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Archontophoenix cunninghamiana
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (Bangalow palm, King palm, Illawara palm, Piccabeen palm) is an Australian native palm. It can grow up to and over 20 metres tall. Its flower colour is violet and the red fruits are attractive to birds. It flowers in midsummer and has evergreen foliage. Piccabeens have been given this name in Queensland because it was the name used by the aboriginal tribes in the Brisbane area. Further south, another native name, “Bangalow” is preferred.
Found in a moist, cool, and well-shaded gully in sub-tropical rainforest, on the Pitta Circuit in D'Aguilar National Park. Thick forest canopy of native tree species such as Strangler Fig, Queensland Red Cedar, and Coachwood to name but a few. Every time I have seen these palms in their native environment, it has always been at high elevation (in rugged coastal and/or mountainous areas) in moist, sheltered and shaded gullies.
The last photo shows one of the palm's trunk completely covered in Pothos (Pothos longipes), a hemi-epiphyte climbing plant.
Spotted on May 10, 2015
Submitted on May 11, 2015
2 Comments
I think we've earned a few "blue sky" days up here, particularly after all the foul weather of late. It was a gorgeous day, so a bushwalk was in order. Biscuits or no, the name is beyond me.
Did you post palms against a blue sky just to make Melbournites feel bad?... It's worked !! Very envious today. Don't try to say the scientific name with a mouth full of dry biscuit though.