Livistonia australis – Cabbage Tree Palm
A tall and handsome palm with glossy fan shaped leaves and large cream flowers in autumn and winter. It can grow to 20 metres tall, but can be used as a pot plant while small. The early colonists wove hats from the leaves and the aboriginals used them to make bags, baskets and fishing nets. It is frost tender. Be aware that the leaf shafts have sharp spines which make clean up time rather painful unless you are wearing thick gloves.
| Scientific Name: | Livistonia australis |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Common Name: | Cabbage tree palm |
| Plant Type: | Small tree, Large tree |
| Height: | 10 ~ 20 metres |
| Width: | 5 ~ 6 metres |
| Flower Colour: | Cream |
| Flowering Time: | Autumn, Winter |
| Ph Level: | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Type: | Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Poor soil |
| Plant Environment: | Low maintenance garden |
| Climate Zone: | Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Mediterranean |
| Light: | Sunny, Light shade, Half shade, Heavy shade |
| Growth Habit: | Evergreen, Column-shaped |
| Lifespan: | Perennial |
| Soil Moisture: | Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage |
| Propagation Method: | Seed |
| Frost Tolerance: | Not frost tolerant |
| Plant Usage: | Feature plant |
Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for this plant.