Identifying Palms [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION Palms Form an integral and important part ot the vegetation of the tropics and sub-tropics, and there are some 3,800 known species. Not all grow either in deserts or on white, sandy beaches, as is popularly supposed. The great majority grow deep in the gloomy rainforest and perhaps never see the sun, certainly not as young plants. It is for this reason that many species can adapt to life as house plants, and some will tolerate even quite deep shade. Further, there are many species that grow a long way from the tropics, and it comes as a surprise to many people to discover that, far from needing heat and humidity to grow well, a good number of palms actually prefer cool climates, and will thrive outdoor in temperate areas. Many species of palm are difficult even for the experts to identify, since they differ only in flower or pollen details. However, most of the palms that are more commonly encountered are relatively easy to tell apart, having major, often unique, characteristics which, with guidance, enable amateur and professional plant spotters alike to tell the difference. It is on these species that this book concentrates, and it is hoped that it will prove not only a useful guide, but a means of adding to the enjoyment on any holiday or business trip to the tropics. Each species is illustrated in colour, and the text provides recognition pointers to the main characteristics of the palm - its overall height, origin, leaf shape, trunk size and so on - so that, with these in mind, recognition should be quite easy. Many people like to grow palms, either in their home or greenhouse, or - if they are lucky enough to live in a warm climate - their garden. It is hoped that this book will prove of practical use to all readers, as both the indoor and outdoor cultivation requirements of each species are discussed. The International Palm Society is an organization dedicated to those interested in palms, and members receive a quarterly magazine Prindpes, in which they can read and learn about these fascinating plants. The society's address is PO Box 368 Lawrence, Kansas 66044, USA. In Europe, the European Palm Society caters for palm enthusiasts with a specific interest in the more cold-hardy species, and those that prefer temperate conditions. Their colour magazine Chamaerops, also a quarterly, can be obtained from the European Palm Society, The Palm Centre, 563 Upper Richmond Road West, London SW14 7ED. In Australia, the Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia Incorporated, publishes a monthly newsletter and has branches in most capital cities. More information can be obtained by writing to the head office at PO Box 1134 Milton, Queensland 4064, Australia.