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{{Use Australian English|date=March 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2021}}
{{Speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
| image = Archontophoenix alexandrae.jpg
|image = Archontophoenix alexandrae.jpg
| genus = Archontophoenix
|genus = Archontophoenix
| species = alexandrae
|species = alexandrae
|status_system = QLDNCA
|status_system = IUCN3.1
|status = LC
|status = LC
|status_ref = {{R|IUCN}}
⚫
|status_ref = <ref name="QES">{{cite web |title=Species profile—Archontophoenix alexandrae (Alexandra palm) |url=https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species-search/details/?id=9030 |website=Queensland Department of Environment and Science |publisher=[[Queensland Government]] |access-date=17 March 2021}}</ref>
|status2_system = QLDNCA
⚫
| authority = ([[Ferdinand von Mueller|F.Muell.]]) [[Hermann Wendland|H.Wendl.]] & [[Carl Georg Oscar Drude|Drude]]<ref name="POWO">{{cite web |title=Archontophoenix alexandrae |url=http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:664083-1 |website=[[Plants of the World Online]] |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |access-date=17 March 2021}}</ref>
|status2 = LC
|status2_ref = {{R|DESQLD}}
| authority = ([[Ferdinand von Mueller|F.Muell.]]) [[Hermann Wendland|H.Wendl.]] & [[Carl Georg Oscar Drude|Drude]]{{R|POWO}}
|synonyms=
|synonyms=
* ''Archontophoenix alexandrae var. beatriceae'' <small>(F.Muell.) C.T.White</small>
* ''Archontophoenix alexandrae var. beatriceae'' <small>(F.Muell.) C.T.White</small>
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* ''Ptychosperma drudei'' <small>H.Wendl. ex Benth. & Hook.f.</small>
* ''Ptychosperma drudei'' <small>H.Wendl. ex Benth. & Hook.f.</small>
* ''Saguaster drudei'' <small>(H.Wendl. ex Benth. & Hook.f.) Kuntze</small>
* ''Saguaster drudei'' <small>(H.Wendl. ex Benth. & Hook.f.) Kuntze</small>
|synonyms_ref=<ref name="POWO"/>
|synonyms_ref={{R|POWO}}
}}
}}


'''''Archontophoenix alexandrae''''', commonly known as '''Alexandra palm''', '''king palm''', '''northern bangalow palm''', or '''feather palm''',<ref name="RFK8">{{cite web |access-date=17 March 2021 |title=Archontophoenix alexandrae |url=https://apps.lucidcentral.org/rainforest/text/entities/archontophoenix_alexandrae.htm |author=F.A. Zich |author2=B.P.M Hyland |author3=T. Whiffen |author4=R.A. Kerrigan |website=[[Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants]], Edition 8 |year=2020 |publisher=[[Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation]] (CSIRO) }}</ref><ref name="PASCOA">{{cite web |access-date=17 March 2021 |title=Archontophoenix alexandrae |url=http://www.pacsoa.org.au/w/index.php?title=Archontophoenix_alexandrae |website=Palm and Cycad Society of Australia }}</ref><ref name="CRC">{{cite web |title=Feather Palm Forest |url=https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/7396/Palm.pdf |website=Catanna Wetlands - Cairns Regional Council |publisher=[[Cairns Regional Council]] |access-date=17 March 2021}}</ref> is a [[Arecaceae|palm]] [[endemic]] to [[Queensland]] , [[Australia]]. It was named in honour of [[Alexandra of Denmark|Princess Alexandra]] of [[Denmark]],<ref name="COOPER2">{{Cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Wendy |last2=Cooper |first2=William T. |author-link2=William T. Cooper |date=June 2004 |title=Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest |place=Clifton Hill, Victoria, Australia |publisher=Nokomis Editions |isbn=9780958174213 |url=https://www.nokomis.com.au/product/nokomis-published-books/fruits-australian-tropical-rainforest/ |access-date=17 March 2021 |page=67 }}</ref> but is often erroneously referred to by the [[misnomer]] Alexander palm (note the difference in gender of the names).
'''''Archontophoenix alexandrae''''', commonly known as '''Alexandra palm''', '''king palm''', '''northern Bangalow palm''', or '''feather palm''',{{R|RFK8|PASCOA|CRC}} is a [[Arecaceae|palm]] [[endemic]] to [[Queensland]], [[Australia]]. It was named in honour of [[Alexandra of Denmark|Princess Alexandra]] of [[Denmark]],{{R|COOPER2}} but is often erroneously referred to by the [[misnomer]] '''Alexander palm'''.


==Description==
==Description==
''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' is a tall, solitary palm growing to a height of {{convert|30|m|ft|abbr=on}} with a trunk up to {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} diameter, often swollen at the base, and bearing prominent leaf scars.<ref name="RFK8"/><ref name="PASCOA"/> The graceful crown has 8 to 10 [[pinnate]], feather-like fronds that measure up to {{convert|4.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length, with 60 to 80 leaflets on each side of the midrib.<ref name="RFK8"/><ref name="COOPER2"/> The pinnae are dark green above and silvery-grey underneath, measuring up to {{convert|75|cm|in|abbr=on}} long, and the entire frond is usually twisted laterally.<ref name="RFK8"/><ref name="PASCOA"/> At the base of each frond is a large [[crownshaft]] up to {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}} high, coloured light green.<ref name="RFK8"/>
''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' is a tall, solitary palm growing to a height of {{convert|30|m|ft|abbr=on}} with a trunk up to {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} diameter, often swollen at the base, and bearing prominent leaf scars.{{R|RFK8|PASCOA}} The graceful crown has 8 to 10 [[pinnate]], feather-like fronds that measure up to {{convert|4.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length, with 60 to 80 leaflets on each side of the midrib.{{R|RFK8|COOPER2}} The pinnae are dark green above and silvery-grey underneath, measuring up to {{convert|75|cm|in|abbr=on}} long, and the entire frond is usually twisted laterally.{{R|RFK8|PASCOA}} At the base of each frond is a large [[crownshaft]] up to {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}} high, coloured light green.{{R|RFK8}}


===Flowers===
===Flowers===
[[File:Palma_Alexandra_(Archontophoenix_alexandrae)_-_Infrutescencias_(14825717056).jpg|thumb|left|160px|Alexandra palm with a number of inflorescences in various stages of development]]
[[File:Palma_Alexandra_(Archontophoenix_alexandrae)_-_Infrutescencias_(14825717056).jpg|thumb|left|160px|Alexandra palm with a number of inflorescences in various stages of development]]


The '''[[inflorescence]]''' of ''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' is a [[panicle]], creamy white when first released from the protective sheath or [[Bract#Spathe|prophyll]] that it develops within, and transitioning through light green as the fruits develop and finally to brown when it is shed from the tree. It measures between {{convert|50|to|100|cm|in|abbr=on}} wide by {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on}} long, and arises from the base of the crownshaft.<ref name="RFK8"/><ref name="PASCOA"/><ref name="COOPER2"/> Flowering occurs randomly throughout the year,<ref name="COOPER2"/> and it is not uncommon to find a group of these palms, some of which carry fruit and/or flowers while others carry neither. Individual '''flowers''' are 3-petalled, creamy-white in colour and quite small—the [[staminate]] flowers measuring up to {{convert|10|mm|in|abbr=on}} wide and the [[pistillate]] flowers up to {{convert|4|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name="RFK8"/>
The [[inflorescence]] of ''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' is a [[panicle]], creamy white when first released from the protective sheath or [[Bract#Spathe|prophyll]] that it develops within, and transitioning through light green as the fruits develop and finally to brown when it is shed from the tree. It measures between {{convert|50|and|100|cm|in|abbr=on}} wide by {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on}} long, and arises from the base of the crownshaft.{{R|RFK8|PASCOA|COOPER2}} Flowering occurs randomly throughout the year,{{R|COOPER2}} and it is not uncommon to find a group of these palms, some of which carry fruit and/or flowers while others carry neither. Individual flowers are 3-petalled, creamy-white in colour and quite small—the [[staminate]] (functionally male) flowers measuring up to {{convert|10|mm|in|abbr=on}} wide and the [[pistillate]] (functionally female) flowers up to {{convert|4|mm|in|abbr=on}}.{{R|RFK8}}


===Fruit===
===Fruit===
The '''fruits''' are [[Glossary of botanical terms#ovoid|ovoid]] to [[Glossary of botanical terms#globose|globose]] with a persistent [[Glossary of botanical terms#calyx|calyx]]. They are initially green turning bright red when ripe. They measure around {{convert|10|-|14|mm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter and contain a single seed about {{convert|8|mm|in|abbr=on}} diameter.<ref name="RFK8"/><ref name="COOPER2"/>
The [[fruit]]s are [[Glossary of botanical terms#ovoid|ovoid]] to [[Glossary of botanical terms#globose|globose]] with a persistent [[Glossary of botanical terms#calyx|calyx]]. They are initially green turning bright red when ripe. They measure around {{convert|10|-|14|mm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter and contain a single seed about {{convert|8|mm|in|abbr=on}} diameter.{{R|RFK8|COOPER2}}


==Taxonomy==
==Taxonomy==
The species was origininally described as ''Ptychosperma alexandrae'' by [[Ferdinand von Mueller]] in his '''''Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae''''' in 1865.<ref name="POWO1">{{cite web |title=Ptychosperma alexandrae F.Muell. |url=http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:669353-1 |website=[[Plants of the World Online]] |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |access-date=15 March 2021}}</ref> In 1875 the [[Germany|German]] botanists [[Hermann Wendland]] and Oscar Drude published a treatment of Australian palms in the journal ''Linnaea'' titled ''Palmae Australasicae'', in which this species was renamed ''Archontophoenix alexandrae''.<ref name="POWO2">{{cite web |title=Archontophoenix alexandrae var. schizanthera H.Wendl. & Drude |url=http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60458919-2 |website=[[Plants of the World Online]] |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |access-date=15 March 2021}}</ref>
The species was originally described as ''Ptychosperma alexandrae'' by [[Ferdinand von Mueller]] in his ''Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae'' in 1865.{{R|POWO1}} In 1875 the [[Germany|German]] botanists [[Hermann Wendland]] and Oscar Drude published a treatment of Australian palms in the journal ''Linnaea'' titled ''Palmae Australasicae'', in which this species was renamed ''Archontophoenix alexandrae''.{{R|POWO2}}


===Etymology===
===Etymology===
The genus name is derived from the [[Ancient Greek]] [[WIKT:ἄρχων#Ancient_Greek|''ἄρχων'' (árkhōn)]], meaning "chieftain" or "ruler", combined with the palm genus [[Phoenix (plant)|Phoenix]], and refers to the regal stature of the trees. The [[Botanical name#Binary name|species epithet]] is given in honour of [[Alexandra of Denmark|Princess Alexandra]] of [[Denmark]].<ref name="COOPER2"/><ref name="PALMWEB">{{cite web |title=Archontophoenix H.Wendl. & Drude, Linnaea 39: 182 (1875) |url=http://www.palmweb.org/cdm_dataportal/taxon/6a3bbbce-0db7-45b6-9602-e002eb9db3c1 |website=PalmWeb |access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref>
The genus name is derived from the [[Ancient Greek]] [[WIKT:ἄρχων#Ancient Greek|''ἄρχων'' (árkhōn)]], meaning "chieftain" or "ruler", combined with the palm genus [[Phoenix (plant)|Phoenix]], and refers to the regal stature of the trees. The [[Botanical name#Binary name|species epithet]] is given in honour of [[Alexandra of Denmark|Princess Alexandra]] of [[Denmark]].{{R|COOPER2|PALMWEB}}


==Distribution and habitat==
==Distribution and habitat==
[[File:Archontophoenix-alexandrae-SF20320.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Alexandra palms dominate the forest in the flood zone beside Freshwater Creek, Cairns, Queensland.]]
[[File:Archontophoenix-alexandrae-SF20320.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Alexandra palms dominate the forest in the flood zone beside Freshwater Creek, Cairns, Queensland.]]
The native range of this species is north-east and central-east [[Queensland]], from the [[Cape Melville|Melville Range]] in [[Cape York Peninsula]] to south of [[Gladstone, Queensland|Gladstone]].<ref name="PASCOA"/><ref name="COOPER2"/> The altitudinal range is from sea level to {{cvt|1000|m}}, although it is most commonly found in lowland [[Riparian zone|riparian]] [[rainforest]] alongside river courses and swamps, often in locations that are severely inundated during heavy rain events.<ref name="RFK8"/><ref name="COOPER2"/> Their ability to withstand these conditions allow them to become the dominant species.
The native range of this species is north-east and central-east [[Queensland]], from the [[Cape Melville|Melville Range]] in [[Cape York Peninsula]] to south of [[Gladstone, Queensland|Gladstone]].{{R|PASCOA|COOPER2}} The altitudinal range is from sea level to {{cvt|1000|m}}, although it is most commonly found in lowland [[Riparian zone|riparian]] [[rainforest]] alongside river courses and swamps, often in locations that are severely inundated during heavy rain events.{{R|RFK8|COOPER2}} Their ability to withstand these conditions allow them to become the dominant species.


==Ecology==
==Ecology==
The fruit of the Alexandra palm is eaten by many bird species,<ref name="COOPER2"/> notably the '''[[Metallic starling]]''' (''Aplonis metallica''), which often descend on a tree as a flock and may consume all of the ripe fruits within an hour. Other common bird species include the '''[[Torresian imperial pigeon]]''' (''Ducula spilorrhoa'') and the '''[[Wompoo fruit dove]]''' (''Ptilinopus magnificus''). Fruits are also eaten by '''fruit bats''' and the '''[[Musky rat-kangaroo]]''' (''Hypsiprymnodon moschatus'').<ref name="COOPER2"/>
The fruit of the Alexandra palm is eaten by many bird species,{{R|COOPER2}} notably the [[metallic starling]] (''Aplonis metallica''), which often descend on a tree as a flock and may consume all of the ripe fruits within an hour. Other common bird species include the [[Torresian imperial pigeon]] (''Ducula spilorrhoa'') and the [[wompoo fruit dove]] (''Ptilinopus magnificus''). Fruits are also eaten by [[fruit bat]]s and the [[musky rat-kangaroo]] (''Hypsiprymnodon moschatus'').{{R|COOPER2}}


==Uses==
==Uses==
The [[Kuku Yalanji]] people of Far North Queensland would eat the [[Heart of palm|palm heart]] of this species.<ref name="AGTARPU">{{cite book |last1=Roberts |first1=John |last2=Fisher |first2=Colin (CJ) |last3=Gibson |first3=Roy |title=A Guide to Traditional Aboriginal Rainforest Plant Use |date=1995 |publisher=Bamanga Bubu Ngadimumku Inc. |location=Mossman, Queensland |isbn=0 646 22991 5 |page=27}}</ref>
The [[Kuku Yalanji]] people of Far North Queensland ate the [[Heart of palm|palm heart]] of this species.{{R|AGTARPU}}


==Cultivation==
==Cultivation==
This species is easily grown from fresh seed, and is very popular in cultivation in Australia, both for private gardens and as a street and park tree.<ref name="RFK8"/><ref name="JONES">{{cite book |last1=Jones |first1=David L. |date=1986 |title=Rainforest Plants of Australia |publisher=Reed Books |isbn=0 7301 0381 1 |page=326}}</ref> It is fast growing and will tolerate cooler climates outside the tropics where there are no frosts, and has been widely planted in many countries. It has become naturalised in Hawaii.<ref name="HEAR">{{cite web |title=Archontophoenix alexandrae |url=http://hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/pdf/archontophoenix_alexandrae.pdf |website=Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR) |access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>
This species is easily grown from fresh seed, and is very popular in cultivation in Australia, both for private gardens and as a street and park tree.{{R|RFK8|JONES}} It is fast growing and will tolerate cooler climates outside the tropics where there are no frosts, and has been widely planted in many countries. It has become naturalised in Hawaii.{{R|HEAR}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery mode=packed heights=200px>
<gallery mode=packed heights=160px>
Image:Archontopheonix-alexandrae-littoral-rainforest.jpg|Habitat
Image:Archontopheonix-alexandrae-littoral-rainforest.jpg|Habitat
Image:Archontopheonix alexandrae flowering.jpg|Flowering
Image:Archontopheonix alexandrae flowering.jpg|Flowering
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</gallery>
</gallery>


==External links==
== See also ==
⚫
*[[List of Australian plant species authored by Ferdinand von Mueller]]
⚫
Map of occurrences of ''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' at the [https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/6929285 Atlas of Living Australia]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist |refs=
<ref name="IUCN">{{cite iucn |author=IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group & Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). |year=2021 |title=''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' |volume=2021 |page=e.T67530447A192233901 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T67530447A192233901.en |access-date=2 August 2022}}</ref>

⚫
<ref name="DESQLD">{{cite web |title=Species profile—''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' (Alexandra palm) |url=https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species-search/details/?id=9030 |website=Queensland Department of Environment and Science |publisher=[[Queensland Government]] |access-date=2 August 2022}}</ref>
{{Wikispecies|Archontophoenix alexandrae}}
⚫
<ref name="POWO">{{cite web |title=''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' (F.Muell.) H.Wendl. & Drude |url=http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:664083-1 |website=[[Plants of the World Online]] |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |access-date=17 March 2021}}</ref>
⚫
{{Commons category|Archontophoenix alexandrae}}
<ref name="POWO1">{{cite web |title=''Ptychosperma alexandrae'' F.Muell. |url=http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:669353-1 |website=[[Plants of the World Online]] |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |access-date=15 March 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="POWO2">{{cite web |title=''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' var. ''schizanthera'' H.Wendl. & Drude |url=http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60458919-2 |website=[[Plants of the World Online]] |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |access-date=15 March 2021}}</ref>
== See also ==
<ref name="RFK8">{{cite web |access-date=17 March 2021 |title=''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' (F.Muell.) H.Wendl. & Drude |url=https://apps.lucidcentral.org/rainforest/text/entities/archontophoenix_alexandrae.htm |author=F.A. Zich |author2=B.P.M Hyland |author3=T. Whiffen |author4=R.A. Kerrigan |website=[[Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants]], Edition 8 |year=2020 |publisher=[[Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation]] (CSIRO) }}</ref>
⚫
*[[List of Australian plant species authored by Ferdinand von Mueller]]
<ref name="CRC">{{cite web |title=Feather Palm Forest |url=https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/7396/Palm.pdf |website=Catanna Wetlands - Cairns Regional Council |publisher=[[Cairns Regional Council]] |access-date=17 March 2021 |archive-date=25 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425162552/http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/7396/Palm.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="COOPER2">{{Cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Wendy |last2=Cooper |first2=William T. |author-link2=William T. Cooper |date=June 2004 |title=Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest |place=Clifton Hill, Victoria, Australia |publisher=Nokomis Editions |isbn=9780958174213 |url=https://www.nokomis.com.au/product/nokomis-published-books/fruits-australian-tropical-rainforest/ |access-date=17 March 2021 |page=67 }}</ref>
<ref name="AGTARPU">{{cite book |last1=Roberts |first1=John |last2=Fisher |first2=Colin (CJ) |last3=Gibson |first3=Roy |title=A Guide to Traditional Aboriginal Rainforest Plant Use |date=1995 |publisher=Bamanga Bubu Ngadimumku Inc. |location=Mossman, Queensland |isbn=0-646-22991-5 |page=27}}</ref>
<ref name="JONES">{{cite book |last1=Jones |first1=David L. |date=1986 |title=Rainforest Plants of Australia |publisher=Reed Books |isbn=0-7301-0381-1 |page=326}}</ref>
<ref name="HEAR">{{cite web |title=Archontophoenix alexandrae |url=http://hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/pdf/archontophoenix_alexandrae.pdf |website=Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR) |access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="PASCOA">{{cite web |access-date=17 March 2021 |title=Archontophoenix alexandrae |url=http://www.pacsoa.org.au/w/index.php?title=Archontophoenix_alexandrae |website=Palm and Cycad Society of Australia }}</ref>
<ref name="PALMWEB">{{cite web |title=Archontophoenix H.Wendl. & Drude, Linnaea 39: 182 (1875) |url=https://palmweb.org/cdm_dataportal/taxon/6a3bbbce-0db7-45b6-9602-e002eb9db3c1 |website=PalmWeb |access-date=3 August 2022}}</ref>
}}


==External links==
* {{Wikispecies-inline}}
⚫
* {{Commons category-inline}}
⚫
* Map of occurrences of ''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' at the [https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/6929285 Atlas of Living Australia]
* [https://flickriver.com/search/Archontophoenix+alexandrae See images] of ''Archontophoenix alexandrae'' on [[Flickriver]]
* [https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/158570 View observations] of this species on [[iNaturalist]]


{{Taxonbar|from=Q1831486}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q1831486}}
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[[Category:Palms of Australia]]
[[Category:Palms of Australia]]
[[Category:Ornamental trees]]
[[Category:Ornamental trees]]
[[Category:Flora of Queensland]]
[[Category:Flora of Hawaii]]
[[Category:Flora of Hawaii]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1875]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1875]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Carl Georg Oscar Drude]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Ferdinand von Mueller]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Hermann Wendland]]
[[Category:Taxa described in 1865]]
[[Category:Endemic flora of Australia]]
[[Category:Endemic flora of Queensland]]

Latest revision as of 23:22, 6 September 2023

"Alexander palm" redirects here. For another plant known as Alexander palm, see Ptychosperma elegans.

Archontophoenix alexandrae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Archontophoenix
Species:
A. alexandrae
Binomial name
Archontophoenix alexandrae
Synonyms[3]
  • Archontophoenix alexandrae var. beatriceae (F.Muell.) C.T.White
  • Archontophoenix alexandrae var. schizanthera H.Wendl. & Drude
  • Jessenia glazioviana Dammer
  • Ptychosperma alexandrae F.Muell.
  • Ptychosperma beatriceae F.Muell.
  • Ptychosperma drudei H.Wendl. ex Benth. & Hook.f.
  • Saguaster drudei (H.Wendl. ex Benth. & Hook.f.) Kuntze

Archontophoenix alexandrae, commonly known as Alexandra palm, king palm, northern Bangalow palm, or feather palm,[4][5][6] is a palm endemic to Queensland, Australia. It was named in honour of Princess Alexandra of Denmark,[7] but is often erroneously referred to by the misnomer Alexander palm.

Description[edit]

Archontophoenix alexandrae is a tall, solitary palm growing to a height of 30 m (98 ft) with a trunk up to 30 cm (12 in) diameter, often swollen at the base, and bearing prominent leaf scars.[4][5] The graceful crown has 8 to 10 pinnate, feather-like fronds that measure up to 4.5 m (15 ft) in length, with 60 to 80 leaflets on each side of the midrib.[4][7] The pinnae are dark green above and silvery-grey underneath, measuring up to 75 cm (30 in) long, and the entire frond is usually twisted laterally.[4][5] At the base of each frond is a large crownshaft up to 1 m (3.3 ft) high, coloured light green.[4]

Flowers[edit]

Alexandra palm with a number of inflorescences in various stages of development

The inflorescence of Archontophoenix alexandrae is a panicle, creamy white when first released from the protective sheath or prophyll that it develops within, and transitioning through light green as the fruits develop and finally to brown when it is shed from the tree. It measures between 50 and 100 cm (20 and 39 in) wide by 50 cm (20 in) long, and arises from the base of the crownshaft.[4][5][7] Flowering occurs randomly throughout the year,[7] and it is not uncommon to find a group of these palms, some of which carry fruit and/or flowers while others carry neither. Individual flowers are 3-petalled, creamy-white in colour and quite small—the staminate (functionally male) flowers measuring up to 10 mm (0.39 in) wide and the pistillate (functionally female) flowers up to 4 mm (0.16 in).[4]

Fruit[edit]

The fruits are ovoid to globose with a persistent calyx. They are initially green turning bright red when ripe. They measure around 10–14 mm (0.39–0.55 in) in diameter and contain a single seed about 8 mm (0.31 in) diameter.[4][7]

Taxonomy[edit]

The species was originally described as Ptychosperma alexandrae by Ferdinand von Mueller in his Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae in 1865.[8] In 1875 the German botanists Hermann Wendland and Oscar Drude published a treatment of Australian palms in the journal Linnaea titled Palmae Australasicae, in which this species was renamed Archontophoenix alexandrae.[9]

Etymology[edit]

The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek ἄρχων (árkhōn), meaning "chieftain" or "ruler", combined with the palm genus Phoenix, and refers to the regal stature of the trees. The species epithet is given in honour of Princess Alexandra of Denmark.[7][10]

Distribution and habitat[edit]

Alexandra palms dominate the forest in the flood zone beside Freshwater Creek, Cairns, Queensland.

The native range of this species is north-east and central-east Queensland, from the Melville Range in Cape York Peninsula to south of Gladstone.[5][7] The altitudinal range is from sea level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft), although it is most commonly found in lowland riparian rainforest alongside river courses and swamps, often in locations that are severely inundated during heavy rain events.[4][7] Their ability to withstand these conditions allow them to become the dominant species.

Ecology[edit]

The fruit of the Alexandra palm is eaten by many bird species,[7] notably the metallic starling (Aplonis metallica), which often descend on a tree as a flock and may consume all of the ripe fruits within an hour. Other common bird species include the Torresian imperial pigeon (Ducula spilorrhoa) and the wompoo fruit dove (Ptilinopus magnificus). Fruits are also eaten by fruit bats and the musky rat-kangaroo (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus).[7]

Uses[edit]

The Kuku Yalanji people of Far North Queensland ate the palm heart of this species.[11]

Cultivation[edit]

This species is easily grown from fresh seed, and is very popular in cultivation in Australia, both for private gardens and as a street and park tree.[4][12] It is fast growing and will tolerate cooler climates outside the tropics where there are no frosts, and has been widely planted in many countries. It has become naturalised in Hawaii.[13]

Gallery[edit]

  • Habitat
    Habitat
  • Flowering
    Flowering
  • Fruiting
    Fruiting
  • Fruit
    Fruit

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group & Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). (2021). "Archontophoenix alexandrae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T67530447A192233901. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T67530447A192233901.en. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  2. ^ "Species profile—Archontophoenix alexandrae (Alexandra palm)". Queensland Department of Environment and Science. Queensland Government. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Archontophoenix alexandrae (F.Muell.) H.Wendl. & Drude". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j F.A. Zich; B.P.M Hyland; T. Whiffen; R.A. Kerrigan (2020). "Archontophoenix alexandrae (F.Muell.) H.Wendl. & Drude". Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants, Edition 8. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Archontophoenix alexandrae". Palm and Cycad Society of Australia. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  6. ^ "Feather Palm Forest" (PDF). Catanna Wetlands - Cairns Regional Council. Cairns Regional Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Cooper, Wendy; Cooper, William T. (June 2004). Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Clifton Hill, Victoria, Australia: Nokomis Editions. p. 67. ISBN 9780958174213. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  8. ^ "Ptychosperma alexandrae F.Muell". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  9. ^ "Archontophoenix alexandrae var. schizanthera H.Wendl. & Drude". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  10. ^ "Archontophoenix H.Wendl. & Drude, Linnaea 39: 182 (1875)". PalmWeb. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  11. ^ Roberts, John; Fisher, Colin (CJ); Gibson, Roy (1995). A Guide to Traditional Aboriginal Rainforest Plant Use. Mossman, Queensland: Bamanga Bubu Ngadimumku Inc. p. 27. ISBN 0-646-22991-5.
  12. ^ Jones, David L. (1986). Rainforest Plants of Australia. Reed Books. p. 326. ISBN 0-7301-0381-1.
  13. ^ "Archontophoenix alexandrae" (PDF). Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR). Retrieved 21 March 2021.

External links[edit]

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