Piccabeen Palm, Bungalow Palm

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (H. Wendl.) H. Wendl. & Drude

ark-on-toe-FEE-nix  cunn-ing-ham-ee-AY-nah

Arecaceae

Explanation of name: For the generic name, see previous species. Allan Cunningham was a 19^th Century Australian botanist (JON, RI2).

Synonym: Sometimes called incorrectly Seaforthia elegans (BA2).

Natural range: Eastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales)

Native habitat: Rainforest (ELL)

Recognition: Confusingly similar to Archontophoenix alexandrae and to Dictyosperma album. See discussion of Archontophoenix alexandrae for comparisons.

ELL illustrates a hybrid between A. cunninghamiana and A. alexandrae.

Landscape uses: As for Archontophoenix alexandrae

Notes: The cultivar ‘Illawara’ from the coastal region around Illawara, Australia, is reportedly especially cool-tolerant, although RI2 doubts this. According to RI2 (speaking of the Orlando area) this cultivar is the only selection suitable for shaded conditions. ELL gives 2-3 months for germination.