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About the Kerriodoxa elegans - M
Kerriodoxa elegansKerriodoxa elegans, commonly known as the White Elephant Palm or King Thai Palm, is a rare and visually striking fan palm native to a very small region of Thailand. This remarkable species belongs to a monotypic genus, meaning it is the only species within the genus Kerriodoxa. The palm was only relatively recently introduced to science and cultivation in the late twentieth century.
The palm is highly valued for its spectacular foliage and unique color contrast. Because of its slow growth and exotic appearance, Kerriodoxa elegans is considered a prized collector’s palm and an impressive ornamental plant for tropical gardens and botanical collections.
Characteristics
1. Trunk: usually grows as a solitary palm. Young plants often appear trunkless, but with age a slender grey trunk can develop that may reach 5 to 10 meters in height.
2. Leaves: large, nearly circular fan-shaped leaves that can reach up to about 2 meters in diameter.
3. Leaf color: the upper surface of the leaves is glossy deep green, while the underside is a striking silvery white.
4. Petioles: the leaf stalks are distinctive and are often deep black or dark purple in color.
5. Reproduction: this species is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Both sexes must be present for seed production.
6. Fruits: when pollination occurs, the palm produces large orange-yellow fruits.
7. Origin and habitat: naturally found in only a few locations in Thailand, particularly around Phuket and Khao Sok National Park, where it grows in humid evergreen rainforests on slopes near streams at elevations of about 100 to 300 meters.
Care
1. Light: grows best in a sheltered position in partial shade or shade. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially on young plants.
2. Soil: prefers rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
3. Water: requires regular watering and the soil should remain slightly moist but never waterlogged.
4. Temperature: although tropical, the palm can tolerate brief temperature drops to around –2°C to –3°C.
5. Wind: the large leaves are sensitive to strong winds and can easily tear, so a protected location is recommended.
6. Growth: grows relatively slowly, which adds to its value as a rare ornamental plant.
7. Use: because of its striking appearance, the palm is often grown as an exclusive container plant for greenhouses, conservatories, or tropical landscapes.
All specifications
English name
White Elephant Palm
Size
M
Location
Partial shade
Water requirements
Water regularly
Fertilization
Regular fertilization (± 3 times per year)
Evergreen
Yes
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Flowering
Moderate flowering
Fragrant
Non-fragrant
Edible
No
Fruit
Ornamental fruit (not edible)
Ideal growth temperature
Between 25°C / 30°C
Minimum temperature
Protect from 5°C
Preferred humidity
High humidity
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