DescriptionA medium sized to large cycad with an emergent, usually branched trunk to 10 m tall and 25 cm diameter.
Young LeavesBright green to slightly bluish green, covered with loose white and orange hairs.
Mature LeavesNumerous, obliquely erect to widely spreading, forming a rounded crown, 1.5 – 2.5 m long, dark green and shiny, flat in cross-section, straight or arching in profile.
Male Cones35 – 555 x 10 – 15 cm, cylindrical to narrowly ovoid, yellow to pale orange-brown, strongly odorous.
Female ConesElongate seeds with a spongy flotation layer and a distinct apical wing, 4.5 – 5 x 3 – 3.5 cm, ovoid, flattened, the sarcotesta orange to brown, not powdery.
Distribution and HabitatOccurs in Papua New Guinea and in Irian Jaya, Indonesia, and is widely distributed in Indonesia’s eastern islands, particularly the Moluccas and the Celebes. Also commonly cultivated in Fiji and Vanuatu. This species mainly grows in coastal and near-coastal communities in littoral forests and rainforests, often on stabilized dunes composed of coral sands and coral limestone. Plants grow in situations ranging from full sun to almost complete shade. The climate is mostly tropical, with hot, wet, humid summers and mild, moist to dry winters. Rainfall is often above 1500 mm per annum, distributed throughout the year.
NotesC. rumphii can be distinguished by its broad, curved, glossy leaflets with broad bases, relatively long petioles, which are usually thorny throughout; and the narrowly triangular apical lobe on the female sporophylls, with the marginal teeth reduced to irregular bumps. The mature seeds also have a prominent sharp apical ridge or crest.
CultivationSuited to tropical and warm subtropical regions. A robust, handsome species which is very commonly grown in tropical parts of the world and widely planted as an ornamental in public and private gardens. Grows well in sun or partial shade and adapts to most well-drained soil types. Plants are tolerant of some cold but should be protected from frosts.
PropagationFrom seed and by removal of trunk offsets.
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