Kermadec Nikau Palm
Rhopalostylis baueri
-31.2723, -177.685
Field Notes
Description:
Medium sized palm growing up to 10 meters. Pinnate leaves are 3-4m long. The fruiting body develops after a leaf is shed and develops a branched structure growing berries. These start green and then turn bright red before falling. Berry flesh dies away leaving a hard palm nut. Stems are a grey green and smooth with ring markings.
Habitat:
These found growing in a grove at the top of the main crater on Raoul island. Native only to Raoul and Norfolk Islands. The population on Raoul has steadily increased with the elimination of rodents and goats on this island.
Notes:
Images show the trees, fruiting bodies and the berries/nuts. The growing tips of the fronds are edible and were used by early settlers to supplement their diets.
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedApril 7, 2016
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