Dypsis decaryi

Dypsis decaryi
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
(unranked):	Commelinids
Order:	Arecales
Family:	Arecaceae
Genus:	Dypsis
Species:	Dypsis decaryi
Binomial name
Dypsis decaryi (Jum.) Beentje & J.Dransf.
Synonyms
Neodypsis decaryi

Dypsis decaryi is a palm tree commonly known as the Triangle palm native to the Madagascan rainforest. It can reach 15 metres in height although it is rarely found that tall outside of its native habitat due to it being relatively new to cultivation. The leaves are about 2.5 metres in length, arching almost upright from the trunk and then arching gracefully about a metre from their tip. The leaf bases grow on three distinct sides of the plant, forming a triangle, which gives the palm its common name. Yellow and green flowers branch out from the lower leaves, which later produce round black inedible fruit about 25 mm (1in) in diameter.[1] It blooms all year, thus making it especially colorful.[2]

The palm is a great ornamental plant and should be grown out in the open to show its unique shape. It prefers full sun and regular watering, although can handle occasional dryness and part shade.[3] If given the choice it prefers sandy soil. Because the plant does not transplant well, it is a bad choice for commercial field growing.[4] However, the fruits of the tree are known for their high nutritional value. It is a fast grower once established and its seed normally germinates within a month of being planted.[5]

Threatened Status

Although this species is now commonly cultivated in a variety of climates, there are only about 1,000 individuals left in its native habitat of a small area in southern Madagascar. It is threatened both by fire and the harvesting of its seeds for export.[6]

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External links

• Dypsis decaryi
• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Dypsis decaryi