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Dominica Botanic Gardens
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Selected Trees and Shrubs
Hyophorbe lagenicaulis;  Syn.: Mascarena lagenicaulis;, Common name: Bottle Palm


Plant Family: Belongs to the Arecaceae or Palm family, which includes Royal Palm (Roystonea oleracea) and Coconut (Cocus nucifera).

Description: Slow growing, dw arf palm, up to 5 m tall (16 ft), with characteristic, swollen, bottle-shaped trunk, up to 60 cm in diameter at base (2 ft); has small crown of 4-8, upwardly arching, pinnate leaves, up to about 3.5 m long (12 ft) in mature plants; leaflets up to about 60 cm long (2 ft); inflorescences with white flowers emerge at base of leaves, grow upwards then turn down with weight of maturing fruit; flowering occurs in 8th to 10th year of growth; fruit ovoid, up to 4 cm long (1.5 in), born in large clusters, turning black when ripe.

Natural Habitat: Well drained tropical soils, with medium rainfall and partial shade; propagated by seed with germination in 4-6 months; germination period can be shortened with embryo culture.

Origin and Distribution: Is native of Round Island, a small island in Indian Ocean in the Mascarene Island group, hence synonym,Mascarena lagenicaulis; said to be fewer than 15 specimens left in native habitat; but cultivated around tropical world for unique beauty.

Uses: Specimen ornamental for attractive shape and small stature; also grown in pots successfully, and can stay in container for several years.
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References:
Jack Scheper. Hyophorbe lagenicaulis. Floridata.com. Tallahassee, Florida, 2004
Robert A. DeFilipps. Useful Plants of the Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 1998
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​​Gardens Introduction

​

Preface - How it Began
Introduction to Website
A Brief History
Plan of Gardens 
Contemporary Commentary​
​Trees, Shrubs, Birds

​
​
Selected Trees and Shrubs
Medicinal Plants
​
Gardens Activities
  Florida's Fairchild Garden
Parrot/Animal Sanctuary
Birds of the Gardens
Garden Views

​
​
Three Virtual Tours
Panoramic Views Today
Early Panoramic Views
 
Hurricane David's Ravages
Future Developments
Curators/Administrators
Reports and Documents
  
Getting Involved
Related Links
Sub-sites

​

Honorees
Island Scholars
Cabinet Photos
​​Treasures of the Cathedral

​Diaspora Policy Paper
​

Visit the DAAS  Website
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Copyright © -  Davison Shillingford, Clayton Shillingford and (the late) Raglan Riviere