Livistona australis aka Australian Cabbage Palm

Livistona australis is an evergreen palm from eastern and southeastern Australia. Its range includes Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It belongs to the palm family, Arecaceae. Gardeners call it the Australian cabbage palm or Australian fan palm. It grows in damp forests, swamps, and along streams. Some stands form large groups of palms. In warm temperate areas, it stays near the coast. In tropical areas, it grows on higher ground.

This slow-growing tree reaches about 66 feet [20 metres] in cultivation. Some trees reach 82 feet [25 metres]. Its crown can spread to about 20 feet [6 metres]. One straight, unbranched trunk holds a round crown of fan-shaped leaves. The trunk measures about 0.8–1.3 feet [0.25–0.4 metres] across. A crown can hold 35 to 60 leaves. Their stalks reach about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] long. Each leaf blade spans about 3.3–4.3 feet [1–1.3 metres]. The leaves stay green through the year. Yellow flowers appear in spring and summer. Insects pollinate them, and each flower has male and female organs.

Give this palm fertile soil that drains well but stays moist. It grows in sand, loam, or clay. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Full sun and partial shade both suit it. Sources differ on how much shade young plants need. Some call for part-day shade; others report good growth in sun. It prefers deep, moist soil but can succeed in dry climates. PACSOA also reports tolerance of wind and salt.

Cold tolerance depends on the place where the palm grows. PFAF lists USDA zones 9–11 for this species. Australian garden reports record survival at 19°F [−7°C]. That result does not prove equal hardiness in Britain. Cooler summers and longer, wetter winters limit its use there. British growers usually need greenhouse protection. Grow seedlings in deep pots to give their roots room. PFAF advises at least two years under glass before planting outdoors. Young outdoor plants need cold protection during their first winters.

Gardeners use this palm as a specimen and street tree. Its large, fibrous leaves also supply material for hats and thatch. People weave them into baskets, bags, and nets. Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Taking the growing bud kills the palm, since it cannot form side shoots. The sources list no known hazards or medicinal uses. They provide no specific pest or disease details. Useful Tropical Plants reports a Least Concern conservation listing from 2009.