Rhopalostylis baueri

taxobox
name = "Rhopalostylis baueri"

---

regnum = Plantae
unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
unranked_classis = Monocots
unranked_ordo = Commelinids
ordo = Arecales
familia = Arecaceae
subtribus = Rhopalostylidinae
genus = "Rhopalostylis"
species = "R. baueri"
binomial = "Rhopalostylis baueri"
binomial_authority = (Hook.f.) H.Wendl. & Drude
synonyms = "Rhopalostylis cheesemanii"|

"Rhopalostylis baueri" is a species of palm native to Norfolk Island (Australia) and to the Kermadec Islands (New Zealand). Norfolk Island is the type locality. The common names on Norfolk Island are 'Norfolk Island Palm' or 'Niau'. In New Zealand the name 'Kermadec Nikau' is used to refer to the Kermadec Islands population. [The palms native to Raoul Island in the Kermadecs, formerly described either as "Rhopalostylis cheesemanii" or "R. baueri" var. "cheesemanii", were relegated to synonymy with the Norfolk Island "R. baueri" in 2005 after comparison showed no significant distinguishing characteristics (de Lange et al, 2005).]

Distribution

. Following the successful eradication of rats on Raoul Island, the palm has greatly extended its range. On Norfolk Island, which is still infested with rodents, "R. baueri" is regenerating and is abundant in some localities. If rodents were eliminated from Norfolk, the palm would benefit greatly.

Description and uses

"R. baueri" reaches 10 m or more in height. The pinnate leaves are 3 to 4 m long, on a stout, erect petiole (leafstem) approximately 20 cm long. The crownshaft is 50–60 cm long. The inflorescence is 30 50 cm long and has from 50 to 60 fairly stout branches. The fruits are green at first, turning a bright red when ripe, and are a favorite food of the endangered Norfolk Island Parakeet. The growing tip of the palm was used by early settlers as a vegetable and is said to have tasted like a nut when raw and like an artichoke bottom when boiled.

Cultivation

. In the northern hemisphere excellent cultivated specimens are found on the coasts of the southeastern Azores and Madeira, which offer similar climates to those of the species' origin. The species is also grown outdoors in coastal California, Hawai'i, continental Portugal and Spain, the Canary Islands, and in parts of the Mediterranean basin (e.g., Palermo, Italy).

Notes

References

*cite web |title="Rhopalostylis baueri" |work=New Zealand Plant Conservation Network |url=http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/vascular_plants/detail.asp?PlantID=683|accessdate=2007-07-10
*cite web |title="Rhopalostylis baueri" |work=Flora of Australia Online |url=http://www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/abif/flora/stddisplay.xsql?pnid=6033|accessdate=2007-07-20
*cite web |title="Latest News (July 4, 2005): New names for the Kermadec nikau palm and Three Kings cabbage tree" |work=New Zealand Plant Conservation Network |url=http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/news_events/news01.asp?newsid=36|accessdate=2007-07-16
*de Lange, P.J.; Gardner, R.O.; Crowcroft, G.M.; Stalker, F.; Cameron, E.K.; Braggins, J.E; Christian, M.L. 2005: Vascular flora of Norfolk Island: some additions and taxonomic notes. "New Zealand Journal of Botany" 43: 563-596.
*cite web |title=Norfolk Island Botanic Garden |work=Department of the Environment and Water Resources |url=http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/norfolk/botanic.html |accessdate=2007-07-19