Ivovowo Palm

Dypsis lanceolata

Synonyms: Chrysalidocarpus lanceolatus

Dypsis lanceolata is a sought-after clumping palm, similar to Blue Cane and Pembana but with a distinctive broad leaf and elegant arching fronds. This plant originates from the Comoros Islands north of Madagascar. It is popular with palm collectors, but is also suitable as a screening plant or in tropical landscapes.

D.lanceolata is favored for its broad fronds and distinctive white trunk rings. It is a clumping palm, but doesn’t clump to the extent of the problematic Golden Cane Palm. It works well as a screening plant but won’t give dense cover at the base of the plant.

Ivovowa Palm grows well in Brisbane, where it will perform best with morning sun and well drained soil. However, it is more cold sensitive than Blue Cane or Pembana and will do best if kept in a sheltered spot, away from driving winds. It is not frost tolerant. Some areas of Brisbane may prove too cold for it e.g. Ipswich.

Dypsis lanceolata suffers few pests and diseases. It may attract mealybugs and scale during warmer weather. Like other Dypsis species, it may occasionally suffer from borers. This can be treated if caught early.