Photo by Larry Cameron
The Arenga undulatifolia is a spectacular palm that can grow as a solitary trunk, or as a clustering variety. It can reach up to 30 feet tall, and is noted for having leaflets that are wavy on the margins, which has how the palm received its name; – undulatifolia in latin means “undulating foliage”.
The trunk is covered in mat of dark fiber which falls off when it is almost matured. Fallen fiber leaves behind a smooth dark green ringed scar on the trunk.
Their native habitats are located in the Philippines, Borneo and western Indonesia on Sulawesi, in forested areas where limestone outcrops are common. It is known as Arenga ambong in the region.
There are four specimens growing in the Merwin Palm Forest.
Want to “virtually explore” the Merwin Palm Collection? Search through our archive of Featured Palms, showcasing palms hand-planted by W.S Merwin. To search through the Online Merwin Palm Database, visit this link. You may also wish to consider joining us for an Open Garden Day – a private visit to the palms led by The Merwin Conservancy staff.
If you’re inspired to help The Merwin Conservancy preserve and care for the Merwin Palm Collection into the future, please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
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