Clinostigma samoense is endemic to the broadleaved lowland forests of Upolu Island, Western Samoa, in the southern Pacific. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Remaining subpopulations appear to be healthy and stable, however the species is continually threatened by habitat loss, as the majority of their habitat has now been destroyed. This is a species at risk.
Clinostigma are among the most beautiful feather-leaved palms. This species has a tall, slender, ringed trunk that is initially white (see photo above) but turns green with age. Its leaves are large and undivided in juvenile plants, but become elegantly spreading and very finely divided in adult specimens. Clinostigma samoense is fast growing and best suited to humid, tropical or warm subtropical climates.
There are three of this beautiful species thriving in the Merwin Palm Collection on Maui’s windward and rainy north shore.
Want to “virtually explore” the Merwin Palm Collection? Search through our archive of Palm Facts of the Week, featuring palms hand-planted by W.S Merwin. To search through the Online Merwin Palm Database, visit this link.
If you’re inspired to help The Merwin Conservancy preserve and care for the world-renowned Merwin Palm Collection into the future, please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
Photo by Timothy Bryan is from Palmpedia and can be found here, along with more photos of this species.
