Burretiokentia hapala - S

About the Burretiokentia hapala - S

Burretiokentia hapala - S

Burretiokentia hapala is a rare evergreen feather palm from the northern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. Its glossy green, pinnate leaves and graceful growth habit give the palm an elegant, tropical appearance. Mature specimens develop a single slender trunk with distinctive pale leaf-scar rings, a thickened crownshaft and characteristic inflorescences covered in woolly hairs.

In size S, Burretiokentia hapala is still at a young stage of development. The trunk, crownshaft and inflorescences of a mature specimen have not yet developed at this stage. Thanks to its compact size, the palm can be kept as a potted plant in a bright, warm and sheltered location.

Characteristics

Origin: Burretiokentia hapala occurs naturally only in the northern part of Grande Terre, the main island of New Caledonia. It grows there in dense, humid forests, on slopes and along watercourses, at elevations of approximately 50 to 500 metres above sea level.

Family: This species belongs to the Arecaceae, the palm family.

Position: Place the plant in a bright, warm and sheltered location indoors or in a heated greenhouse or conservatory. During warm periods, the palm can be placed outdoors in a sheltered, partially shaded location. Always acclimatise the plant gradually to outdoor conditions and protect it from intense midday sun, cold winds and low temperatures.

Height: In its natural habitat, Burretiokentia hapala can eventually reach a height of approximately 15 metres. In a pot, the palm remains considerably smaller and its growth is more controlled.

Flowering period: Only mature specimens flower under suitable tropical or subtropical conditions. No fixed flowering period is known for this species. A young plant in size S is not expected to flower yet.

Flower colour: The colour of the small individual flowers is not consistently stated in botanical species descriptions. The flowers are largely concealed among the dense, woolly hairs covering the inflorescences.

Hardiness: Burretiokentia hapala is not hardy in the Dutch climate. Overwinter a young plant in size S in a warm and completely frost-free location, preferably at temperatures above 10 °C. Protect the palm from prolonged cold, cold draughts and strong temperature fluctuations.

Soil type: Use an airy, humus-rich and well-drained substrate that retains sufficient moisture without leaving the roots wet for prolonged periods.

Care

Light: Provide plenty of bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. Young specimens naturally grow beneath the forest canopy and must therefore be protected from intense midday sun. Gentle morning or evening sun is generally well tolerated, provided the palm is gradually acclimatised to it.

Water: Keep the substrate evenly and lightly moist and do not allow the root ball to dry out completely. Water again as soon as the upper layer of the substrate begins to dry slightly. Allow excess water to drain away thoroughly and prevent water from remaining in the pot or saucer.

Fertiliser: During the active growing season, regularly apply a small amount of balanced palm fertiliser containing trace elements. Reduce fertilisation when growth slows during winter and do not fertilise while the plant is temporarily inactive.

Pruning: Pruning is not necessary. Only remove leaves that are completely dried out or severely damaged. Never cut into the growing point or remove leaves that are still largely green.

Repotting: Repot the palm when the roots have largely filled the available space in the pot. Choose a pot that is only one size larger and has adequate drainage holes. Handle the roots carefully and do not plant the palm more deeply than it was in its previous pot.

Humidity: Average to high humidity supports healthy and even leaf development. Protect the palm from prolonged exposure to dry air from heating systems. At the same time, provide sufficient ventilation without exposing the plant to draughts.

Special features: Mature specimens form a single slender green trunk with distinctive pale, ring-shaped leaf scars and a clearly thickened crownshaft. Branched, hanging inflorescences covered in dense, soft, felt-like hairs emerge beneath the crown of leaves. These hairs are initially pale and gradually turn brown. The species owes its English names, Dreadlock Palm and Rasta Palm, to these distinctive inflorescences. The fruits change from green to bluish purple as they ripen. These mature characteristics have not yet developed in a young plant in size S.