The public tour season for 2024 is now closed. The Garden re-opens for public tours on February 15. We look forward to welcoming you in 2025.
Plant Highlights
December
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Caryota urens
fishtail palm
Highlight Month:
December
Nativity:
SW. & S. India, Sri Lanka
Growth Habit:
This fishtail palm is solitary, meaning it forms just one trunk. It grows up to 75 feet or more. When it reaches its mature height, it begins to flower. A large, branched inflorescence is formed in succession at each leaf node starting at the apex and progressing down the trunk. The process takes many years, but when it is over, the tree dies.
Growing Requirements:
Palms require even moisture and this species thrives in shade to partial sun. Cold hardy to perhaps 22° F.
Features:
The fishtail palm is aptly named in reference to the shape of the leaflets.
Where at Lotusland:
Fern Garden, behind the Dracaena Circle
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Aloe flexilifolia
Highlight Month:
December
Nativity:
Aloe flexilifolia is from NE Tanzania where it grows exclusively in the Western Usambara Mountains on overhanging sheer rock faces and ledges. There is also a form that grows in flatter places with deeper soils.
Growth Habit:
This Aloe displays soft gray-green leaves that spiral outwards in graceful curves. It develops a sprawling, multi-stemmed habit with age and blooms in late fall/early winter with a profusion of loosely arranged red-orange flowers.
Growing Requirements:
Like most Aloe, this species prefers full sun and well-drained soils.
Features:
This species is critically endangered.
Where at Lotusland:
Aloe Garden
