Wallichia disticha

Wallichia disticha is a rather unique palm tree that comes from the forests of tropical Asia, where it grows on the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a medium-sized species, with a somewhat fantastic appearance reminiscent of certain bamboos or a traveller's palm. In this beautifully eccentric plant, the triangular leaflets end curiously in a fish tail. This Wallichia is not very resistant to frost but it is easy to cultivate indoors, amidst other luxuriant plants that naturally humidify the air, or in a temperate to tropical greenhouse.

Wallichia disticha belongs to the Arecaceae family. It is native to Myanmar, eastern India, and southern China. It is a shade-loving forest species found up to 1200 m (3937 ft) in altitude under a humid tropical climate. The plant likes fresh, rich and well-drained, as well as rocky, calcareous or acidic (granitic) soils, with a partially shaded exposure. Young plants take some time to establish themselves, then growth accelerates significantly. In the ground, Wallichia disticha can reach a height of 8 m (26 ft), but it will not exceed 3 m (10 ft) in height with a spread of 1.5 m (5 ft) if grown in a container or indoors in a greenhouse.

This palm develops a single trunk, called a stipe, which is rather thin (10-15 cm (4-6 in) in diameter), greyish in colour, and covered with brown to black interwoven fibres, with leaf scars. On the upper half of this stipe, large pinnate, upright leaves develop, measuring up to 4 m (13 ft) long and 60 cm (24 in) to 1.2 m (4 ft) wide. The leaf is divided into leaflets arranged on several planes, giving the leaf a very decorative feathery appearance. Each leaflet has a characteristic shape: long and triangular with a bifid tip. Their colour is bright green on the upper side and more greyish underneath. Flowering occurs in summer, on mature plants aged 10 to 15 years, and under favourable growing conditions. The inflorescences bear either male or female flowers, but they are present on the same plant and on the same stem. The flowers are grouped in large paniculate inflorescences at the axils of the leaves. The inflorescences of male flowers measure 90 cm (35 in) to 1.2 m (4 ft) long, while the pendulous inflorescences of female flowers measure 1.8 m (6 ft) to 2.4 m (8 ft) long. The fruits measure 2.2 cm (1 in) long and 1.5 cm (1 in) in diameter, and are reddish-brown in colour. This palm has a relatively short lifespan, around 15 years.

Wallichia disticha is undoubtedly a very beautiful specimen for collectors and enthusiasts of exotic plants, whether they are simply amateurs or experienced gardeners. It will make an impression in the veranda, greenhouse, or in a very bright room. It can be taken out on the terrace from May to September, after an acclimatisation period. Like all palm trees, it is difficult to combine with other plants due to its strong personality: reserve a corner by the pool or a good spot on the terrace, initially exposing it to shade so that it gradually adapts to the sun. Surround it with Phormium – visual, sober, and colourful – with precise and geometric agaves, or with Cordyline, for example.