Description
Rhapis excelsa is a clump-forming, evergreen palm with unbranched stems up to 3 metres tall and 15mm in diameter, each of which is topped by a crown of leaves. The plant spreads by means of rhizomes to form large, loose colonies[266 ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials. It is widely planted as an ornamental and grows well as a pot plant in houses[200 ].
Origin
E. Asia - southern China (Fujian, Guangdong, Guizhou, Hainan, Yunnan), Thailand, northern Vietnam
Uses
The stems are used for making chopsticks and walking sticks[266 ].
Cultivation
Grows best in a sheltered, shady position, though in regions where humidity is high and the soil does not dy out it can succeed in a sunny position[200 ]. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.
References
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-07-15. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Rhapis+excelsa>
Common Names
- English
- Bamboo Palm