Kentia Palm, Sentry Palm

Howea forsteriana (C. Moore & F. J. Muell.) Becc.

HOW-ee-ah  for-stair-ee-AIN-ah

Arecaceae

Explanation of name: Named for Lord Howe Island, and for William Forster, an Australian senator (JON)

Spelling note: The misspelling in some books, Howea forsterana, contradicts the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature

Natural range: Lord Howe Island, Australia (JON)

Natural habitat: Lord Howe Island (ELL).

Recognition: Single-trunked palm having no clear crownshaft, with closely spaced leaf scars, and with graceful, arching pinnate leaves on long petioles, and with drooping narrowly lanceolate leaflets (narrowed toward the base, the tips long-tapered). Petiole bases conspicuously fibrous. Fruits red. Often encountered indoors when young; when planted several per pot, this species resembles Cat Palm, Chamaedorea cataractarum and Chamaedorea hooperiana (see C. cataractarum for comparison of these three species).

Landscape uses: One of the preeminent container palms, tolerant of shade, neglect and indoor conditions. May be used as a specimen or in groups outdoors too, tolerating full sun after 5 years of growth (JON) but not recommended for high heat and drying winds (MEE). ELL reports germination to be erratic, ranging from 6 months to multiple years.