4 replies to this topic

[Shane V]

Pandani is a palm like tree growing to between 2 and 12 metres tall with tapering leaves which grow from .3 metre to 1.5 metres long. It normally has only one stem but can grow branches on occasions. It has white or pinkish flowers. It is found in the wet mountain forests of Tasmania to an altitude of about 1200 metres.

It is susceptible to a root rot fungus called Phytophthora cinnamomi, don't ask me to say that , which attacks the plants roots causing it to die from lack of water. The fungus is spread by carrying contaminated soil on boots, tyres, and tent pegs, so make sure you clean your items before moving to different areas.

Modern basket weavers use the old leaves for baskets because they create interesting curling effects.

When I first saw this tree I said,"What is a palm doing in the alpine parts of Tasmania?" While doing the research for this topic I found out that the name Richea Pandafolia is derived from Richea, named after Claude Riche, an 18^th century Botanist and Pandafolia which means with leaves like the genus Pandanus, palms are a part of this family

We found this stand near Ronny Creek, Cradle Mountain NP


These plants were on the Boardwalk between the visitors centre and Snake Hill.

[tassiesim]

Ohh droool arnt they beautiful , especially love that first shot
such wonderful looking plants

[Shane V]

They are beautiful Sim.

[nineteenineteen]

Richea pandanifolia is also the largest growing heath in the world. I always called them "Grug trees" after the kid's books...

[Mystic]

Grug trees??? I had to go searching to discover the esoteric info on that one. They are gorgeous trees, and it does seem rather strange when wandering through alpine rainforest to see what appears to be a palm hiding in the undergrowth.