Eden Project Welcomes Rare Palm Species to Its Collection.
The Eden Project has recently expanded its collection by adding a critically endangered palm species, discovered only in 2006. This addition will be on display in the rainforest biome during October’s half-term break.
The palm, called tahina spectabilis, originates from the Analalava district, a remote area in northwestern Madagascar. It is estimated that fewer than 40 mature plants exist in the wild, with only a handful cultivated in countries like Thailand, Costa Rica, Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico.
Discovered in late 2006, tahina spectabilis was officially classified in 2008. Scientists from Kew Gardens traveled to Madagascar to identify the species after reviewing photographs sent to them.
Catherine Cutler, interim head of horticulture at the Eden Project, expressed excitement about the new palm’s arrival. “As horticulturists, we are delighted that the rainforest biome is now home to this magnificent palm. We can contribute to the conservation of such an endangered species, and we, along with our visitors, can observe and learn from it as it grows,” she said.
The Eden Project takes pride in its diverse collection of over 1,000 plant species in the Biome, each telling its own unique story. “There is so much for visitors to discover here. We are thrilled that this new addition provides another opportunity to experience a remarkable species that they wouldn’t usually see,” Cutler added.
The rarity of this palm led to the creation of a new plant genus specifically for this species. Tahina spectabilis is the largest palm species from Madagascar and can even be detected via satellite imagery. Its trunk can grow up to 18 meters tall, and its leaves can reach five meters in diameter.
The palm on display at the Eden Project is about four meters tall and is estimated to be around 17 years old. It is projected to take an additional 30 to 50 years to reach its full size.
This palm is monocarpic, meaning it flowers and produces seeds only once before it dies. During this flowering event, the plant expends a significant amount of energy to create a stunning inflorescence, which features a large number of small flowers. The inflorescence forms a pyramid-shaped panicle that can extend four to five meters above the palm’s crown and consists of hundreds of three-flowered clusters. These clusters bloom in three synchronized phases, attracting insects and birds for pollination.
Earlier this year, the Eden Project noted that climate change has had some positive effects, as plant life thrived during an unusually warm spring.
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