Palm to 30 m, trunk to 30 cm in diameter, usually not greatly expanded at the base – less so than close relative Alexandra Palm which is not local and can be weedy. Ecologicaly, it is likely that both palms do pretty much the same job in remnant rainforest. Grows in or near rainforest in coastal districts, mostly in moist sites beside creeks and on alluvial flats north from Batemans Bay, NSW. Leaves pinnately divided to 400 mm, 80-100 pairs of segments, green on both surfaces.
Photo: Robert Whyte
Inflorescence, Flowers, Fruit
Flowers are lilac to purple, fruit is bright red at maturity, to 15 cm. Good for low-lying riparian areas, can stand boggy ground, full shade or some exposure. Frost tender when young. Host plant for caterpillars of the Yellow Palm-dart Cephrenes trichopepla and and Orange Palm-dart Cephrenes augiades sperthias.
Photo: Robert Whyte
Traditional Water Carrying Container
The name bangalow is Aboriginal for water carrying basket. The crownshaft can be fashioned, with a few deft folds and tucks, into a watertight vessel, the petiole used as the handle. SOURCE: Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia
Photo: Robert Whyte
