Cryosophila warscewiczii
Description
Cryosophila warscewiczii, commonly known as the Star Palm or Root Spine Palm, is an elegant and distinctive tropical palm known for its unique root spines and fan-shaped leaves. This palm is highly valued for its ornamental beauty and striking foliage, making it a standout feature in tropical and subtropical landscapes.
Flowers
The Star Palm produces small, white to cream-colored flowers that grow in clusters on short inflorescences among the leaves. These flowers are followed by small, round, black fruits, adding to the plant's ornamental interest.
Foliage
The leaves are palmate (fan-shaped) and divided into multiple segments that radiate from a central point. Each leaf can reach up to 1 meter in diameter. The leaflets are bright green on the upper surface and have a silvery underside, providing a shimmering appearance in the sunlight. The petioles (leaf stems) are armed with unique root spines that give the palm its distinctive look.
Fruit
The fruit is a small, round drupe that turns from green to black as it matures. While not typically consumed, the fruit adds seasonal interest to the plant.
Form and Size
The Star Palm typically grows to a height of 3-6 meters with a spread of 2-3 meters. It has a slender trunk covered with root spines at the base, which are one of its defining characteristics. The trunk is grey and often marked by ringed leaf scars, contributing to its impressive appearance.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich, organic soil. Thrives in moist, fertile conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade to full shade. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon sun.
- Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. More frequent watering is needed during dry periods.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. Prefers warm, humid conditions and is frost-sensitive.
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for tropical-themed gardens, shaded borders, and as an accent plant. Also suitable for containers on patios and verandas.
- Ornamental: The unique root spines, fan-shaped leaves, and slender trunk provide a dramatic and exotic look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance. Take care when handling due to the sharp root spines.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogging to minimize disease risk.
Notes
The Star Palm is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that adds a distinctive tropical flair to any garden or landscape. Its unique root spines and lush foliage make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts and landscape designers.
Companion Plants
- Calathea spp. (Calathea)
- Alpinia zerumbet (Shell Ginger)
- Spathiphyllum spp. (Peace Lily)
- Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
Common Name
Star Palm, Root Spine Palm
Botanical Name
Cryosophila warscewiczii
Family
Arecaceae
Origin
Native to Central America, particularly Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama
Read lessQuantity:
In Stock
Sold out
Please note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
- Plants are seasonal and sometimes we run out but have more batches coming along.
- Some Plants are not always in-stock however we can either order it in. pending availability
- Available numbers change every hour of the day in store and where we grow so please check in with us on how many you are looking for
- we have access to thousands of plants. if you are looking for a specific plant please let us know and we will see if its coming into stock soon or if we can order it for you.
- we will sometimes keep plants on our website to show you the description of how it grows and its specific characteristics. they may not be in stock all the time however we will keep it up online so when it comes in we wont have to reload products
Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use either Rocky Point Premium Potting mix or our own custom potting mixes blend to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use good quality Bagged garden soil around your plants at the time of planting
