James Burghardt
Family
Arecaceae
Botanical Name
LIVISTONA rotundifolia
Plant Common Name
Footstool Palm, Roundleaf Fountain Palm
General Description
Noted for its bold rounded evergreen leaves, this medium-sized, single-trunked fan-palm is native to Southeast Asia and New Guinea.
The large, emerald-green, circular fronds are edged with numerous rigid to arching, pointed lobes. Young plants have relatively shallow-lobed leaves; older plants have more deeply divided leaves with long lance-shaped segments that radiate like the spokes of an umbrella. More than 30 fronds are borne atop the trunk on long stalks ("petioles"), forming an open, spherical crown. The petioles are edged with short tooth-like prickles. Plants are initially stemless, developing a trunk after several years. Trunks of younger specimens are coated with matted fibers and bristle with the protruding, wedge-shaped petiole bases ("boots") of fallen leaves. Older specimens have gray trunks that are ringed with reddish leaf scars. Large branching inflorescences with numerous spike-like clusters of small pale yellow flowers droop from the leaf crown in spring and sometimes at other times of year. Although bearing apparently perfect flowers (with male and female parts), individual plants function as males or females, with only some producing fruit. "Female" plants produce small spherical fruits that ripen red and then black.
This palm grows best in full sun, moist well-drained soil, and high humidity. Some shade is required when plants are young or where humidity is low. It is frost-intolerant, and suffers considerable leaf damage in high winds. Use it as a vertical accent where its crown has ample room to show to full advantage. It also works well in containers, particularly when young.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow
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Fruit Color
Dark Red, Brown, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
White, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
