Australian fan palm – Livistona australis

Livistona australis

This vigorous palm of swamps and margins of coastal Australian rainforest is one of the fastest-growing species in our collection. Trunk sections are on display as part of The World of Palms exhibition and images from the felling of a mature predecessor of this young specimen are displayed in the corridor between the Tropical Palm House and the Orchid and Cycad House.

The genus Livistona was named in honour of Patrick Murray, Laird of Livingston, who accumulated a significant plant collection in the mid 17th century. After he died his specimens were donated to his friend Andrew Balfour, one of the co-founders of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

This post is part of The World of Palms Glasshouse Trail