Pritchardia in Hawaii: Pritchardia forbesiana
Pritchardia forbesiana occurs on Maui and Moloka’i, one of the few species to be found on multiple islands in Hawai’i, and it resides in wet to very wet, low scrubby forest and grasslands in eastern Moloka’i and on the Pu’u Kukui massif comprising West Maui, as illustrated here. Noteworthy are the copious amounts of web-like, hairy fibers on the petioles, the leaf blades green above and below, the short inflorescences not exceeding the petiole, and the large, black fruits.
And don’t forget, The International Palm Society’s 32nd biennial is now open for registration. This will be an unforgettable event, as Mary Lock (from the hosting Hawaiian Island Palm Society) eloquently explains in this month’s newsletter.
Pictured: Pritchardia in Hawaii by Donald R. Hodel