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King Alexander Palm Archontophoenix alexandrae
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 « Return |
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| Exposure |
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Moderate to high |
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| Average Height x Width |
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30’ T - x 20’ W |
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| Typical Height |
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40’ |
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| Water Requirements |
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Water as needed |
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| Spacing |
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20’ apart |
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| Cold Hardiness |
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25° - 30° F |
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| Hardiness Zone |
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10B - 11 |
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| Growth Rate |
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Moderate |
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| Origin |
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Australia |
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| Salt Tolerance |
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Low |
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| Drought Tolerance |
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Moderate |
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| Soil Requirements |
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Widely adaptable |
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| Light Requirements |
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Moderate, high |
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| Nutritional Requirements |
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Moderate |
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| Uses |
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Specimen tree |
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| Propagation |
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Seed, germinating in 6 weeks or 3 month; best sown fresh |
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| Human Hazards |
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None |
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| Major Pest Problems |
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None |
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| Major Disease Problems |
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Transplant shock if poorly handled, phytophtora bud rot, fungal leaf spots |
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The King Alenxander Palm makes a stately accent in the landscape and works well as a single specimen or a group of several. It is sometimes confused with Hurricane Palm (Dictyosperma album) but can be differentiated by the swollen base, smooth (rather than waxy) crownshaft, shorter leaves, and pendulous inflorescence. New leaves may emerge light bronze in color on young specimens which make attractive container plants (but do not adapt well to very low light). Alexander Palms perform better in the landscape when supplementary irrigation is provided during periods of sustained drought. Likewise, fertilization should be received a minimum of twice per year to prevent disfiguring nutritional deficiencies. Dry winds may also cause some leaf-tip burn. Unfortunately, this species has the reputation for moving poorly from field nurseries. The heart is susceptible to fatal shattering if the crown of the palm is subjected to undue stresses during lifting and transporting to the landscape site. Consequently, field grown specimens should be handled very carefully during transplanting. Splinting or otherwise supporting the crown during transportation may be advisable. |
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