Orange-Crownshaft Palm, Red Pinang, Sunset Palm

Areca vestiaria Giseke

ah-REEK-ah vest-ee-AIR-ee-ah

Arecaceae

Explanation of name: Areca is an ancient name for palms.  Vestiaria means “clothed,” as in “vestments,” possibly a reference to the colorful cloak formed by the crownshaft.

Natural range: Sulawesi

Recognition: Mid sized palm with orangish or reddish crownshaft, spathe, inflorescence and leaf rachises.  Pinnate leaves having broad squared-off leaflets. Often suckering, and often with stilt roots.

Landscape uses: Clustered (or single-trunked) mid sized slow-growing palm with colorful crownshaft and associated parts for damp shade. “Poor man’s Sealing-Wax Palm.”  Propagate by seeds or suckers.

Internet information:  http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Areca/vestiaria.html

http://www.hilozoo.com/plants/PP_areca_v.htm