Hydriastele rheophytica

Very rare species

This small, clustering palm was recently discovered in New Guinea, where it grows as a rheophyte only on the rocky banks of fast flowing rivers, a rather unusual habitat for palms. Each of its thin, flexible stems carries an open crown of beautiful, feathery, finely pinnate leaves. In cultivation it does best in the tropics but it will also grow in some warm temperate areas. It is adaptable enough where it can be cultivated just like other palms, not necessarily next to a fast flowing stream or with access to more than a sensible amount of water.