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| Growing and collecting Rhapis palms | |
| A very interesting and useful website for the collection and cultivation of Rhapis palms is that of Keith Andrew who holds the National Rhapis palm Collection, in Anglesey, Wales, United Kingdom. The species listed include: R. excelsa, humilis, laosensis, multifida, subtilis, robusta, micrantha, gracilis, filiformis, indonesia. The cultivation and collection of these slow growing palms has become a cult in Japan and Taiwan which is spreading further afield. Plant characteristics vary considerable from quite broad rounded leaves to long more lanceolate shapes with solid green leaves or with different variegations of green, white, cream and a very slight pink. In Japan, plants are divided into four categories of quality and the varieties judged the best can demand very high prices (up to almost €7.000) a plant! For the more ‘ordinary’ varieties, single canes can be purchased at prices of €50-130 from Keith Andrew. Some 67 variegated varieties are shown in the list along with 56 green leaved varieties with their Japanese names. Particularly sought after by collectors at the moment is R. excelsa ‘Taiheinishiki’. It would appear that some serious consideration might be given to propagating some of these cultivars in Italy. While they are very slow growing, modern techniques of propagation might provide highly attractive pot plants in small or miniature sizes. This website provides a great deal of information including: propagation, cultivation, Japanese style decorative pots, use in interiors, books and the sale of plants. There is also a discussion forum. Keith Andrew is a member of Kansokai (Japanese Rhapis Association). For more information: Tel 0044 1407 720651, E-mail: info@kannonchiku.co.uk www.kannonchiku.co.uk |
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