Adonidia merrillii – Veitchia merrillii – Christmas palm – Manila palm

Description

Veitchia – Genus of 18, elegant, feather leafed single stemmed palms in the Arecaea family. Found naturally occurring in tropical rainforest, from sea level to 2,100’, from the Philippines and New Caledonia to Fiji and the New Hebrides. They range in height from 20-100’ feet tall. Oblong, pinnate leaves are produces in terminal tufts above a conspicuous, pale gray, smooth or lightly ringed trunk. Insignificant, bowl shaped, 3 petal, male and female flowers with up to 1000 stamens each are borne in panicles just beneath the foliage, and are followed by showy red to orange fruits. Where not hardy grow as a houseplant. In warmer areas, use small species in a courtyard or border, and grow tall species on a lawn. Under gall, grow in soil based potting mix with added peat and sharp sand, in full light. Pot on or top dress in spring. When in growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Outdoors grows in fertile, moist but well drained soil in partly shaded area when young, becoming more tolerant of full sun as they mature. Prone to spider mites under glass. V. merrillii – Adonidia merrillii – Christmas palm – Manila palm – This small palm native to the Philippines grows 15-20 tall and 6-12’ feet wide. The slender trunk, to 10” across, is marked with rings, and tapers towards the crown shaft. Strongly arching, matte, mid to deep green leaves, 3-6’ feet long, each have 40-60 strap shaped leaflets, pale green and scaly beneath. Green to yellow-green flowers, ¾” across, are borne in panicle to 36” long, usually in summer, but rare as a houseplant. Flowers are followed by egg shape, crimson fruit, to 1 ½” long, which are most colorful during Christmas. Need protection from wind. Zones 11