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Cycas Revoluta

 

This very symmetrical plant supports a crown of shiny, dark green leaves that are about 50-150 cm long when the plants are fully mature. Propagation of Cycas revoluta is either by seed or by removal of basal offsets. As with other cycads, it is dioecious, with each specimen bearing either male or female flower. Pollination of receptive female flower can be done naturally by insects or artificially. A native of southern Japan, but is now grown worldwide.

 

Of all the cycads, the Sago Palm is the most popular in horticulture and is seen in almost all botanical gardens, in both temperate and tropical locations. In many areas of the world it is heavily promoted commercially as a landscape plant. It is also quite popular as a bonsai plant. First discovered in the late 1700’s, it is native to various areas of southern Japan and is thus tolerant of mild to somewhat cold temperatures, provided the ground is dry. Frond damage can occur at temperatures below −5° C.

 

Rhapis Excelsa

 

An exquisitely beautiful palm. The Japanese first began collecting Rhapis from China in the 17th century. These specimens were planted in all the Imperial Palace gardens and those owned by the Japanese nobles. The Rhapis excelsa gained popularity throughout the world during the 1800's when it became a highly prized and admired feature in the homes and gardens of the Aristocracy. A classic interior and a fine exterior landscape palm.

 

Like the Howea forsteriana (kentia palm), the Rhapis excelsa is a most reliable interior-scape palm and will continue to grow even in dim light. It is able to tolerate temperatures from -5°C (20° F) up to 41°C with leaves starting to show slight damage below and above these temperatures . They do well growing under trees, overhangs and against the eastern and northern sides of buildings, homes, and walls. This palm, once established, is tough and hardy.

Japanese Selection

 

There are some habitats of Rhapis excelsa found in Japan as well but it would appear that the two species were sourced from China as garden plants at the beginning of the Edo Period (1603-1867) and planted in the gardens in the southern part of Japan. They appear in the first gardening encyclopaedia (Kadan Jikinsho written by Ihei) in 1695.

 

Latin Name

Japanese name

Rhapis excelsa	KANNON_CHIKU_AO Native to Southern China. Kannon is a god's name in Buddhism and Chiku means bamboo. Ao translates to green
Rhapis humilis	SHURO_CHIKU_AO Native to Southern China. Its leaves are thinner than Kannonchikuao and its height is 2-4m. In Japanese, Shuro means palm
Rhapis gracilis	KACHINA Native to Southern China
Rhapis indonesia	Native to Indonesia
Rhapis laosensis	HIMEDARUMA Native to Southern Laos
Rhapis micrantha	Native to Vietnam, Laos, ?
Rhapis multifida	Native to Southern China
Rhapis robusta	Native to Southern China
Rhapis subtilis	Native to Thailand
Rhapis filiformis	Native to  Southern China

 

Indonesia	Humilis	Laosensis

 

Dwarfs, Mini Dwarfs and Variegated Selections

 

As interest in large Rhapis excelsa became global, the Japanese Samurai began cultivating dwarf green and variegated forms, especially suited for indoor use. Unusual leaf shapes, colours and growth habits were identified and each distinct variety was named and classified. These highly selected cultivars developed into an array of "Miniature Lady Palms", some reaching only 60cm of height after decades of growth. The dwarfs, mini-dwarfs and variegated Rhapis are the result of years of cultivation, mostly by the Japanese, using techniques such as cross pollination and careful selection based upon the most desirable characteristics (size, leaf shape, colour and/or variegation (stripe or spot).

 

These "pedigreed palms" can only be reproduced by division  and these rare green and variegated specimens of dwarf Rhapis excelsa  and unfortunately continue to remain limited in supply as  international fascination grows.

 

Japanese Green Rhapis

 

There are about fifty different solid green cultivars recognized among collectors. The leaves can be large or small, thin or thick, shiny or matte, so one can never tire of them .There are usually variegated derivatives from the green varieties.

 

Gyokuho	Koban	Mangetsu	Tenzan

 

Japanese Variegated Rhapis

 

These are miniature palms with colour they are perfect for interior scape. Exquisite in their variety, stripes. spots, lime green , forest green, yellows and whites these plants are unique and rare.

 

For More Information on These Plants Visit This Link

 

 

Zuikonishiki	Heiseinishiki	Nanzannishiki