Ravenea rivularis Jum. & H. Perrier Family - Arecaceae. Common Names(s) - Majesty Palm. Synonym(s) - .

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

0

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=1, n=-1

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y= 1, n=-1

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

2

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

2

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

n

0

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

1

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range?

y=-2, ?=-1, n=0

?

-1

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

n

0

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

0

0

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.10

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

0

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

4+

-1

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

-3

Notes

Source

1.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1)DISTRIBUTION. S central Madagascar, Mangoky and Onilahy river systems

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

2.02

(1)DISTRIBUTION. S central Madagascar, Mangoky and Onilahy river systems

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

2.03

(1)not hardy to cold and its success is limited to zones 10 and 11.

(1)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Portland, OR.

2.04

(1)DISTRIBUTION. S central Madagascar, Mangoky and Onilahy river systems

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

2.05

(1)Popular ornamental widely sold, but often grown indoors (2)This plant has been said to grow in the following regions: Orange Beach, Alabama Altadena, California Brentwood, California Chula Vista, California Corte Madera, California Encino, California Fresno, California Hayward, California Lemon Grove, California Pasadena, California Rancho Cucamonga, California Reseda, California Rialto, California San Diego, California San Marino, California San Ramon, California Santa Barbara, California (2 reports) Vacaville, California Ventura, California Cape Coral, Florida Clermont, Florida Inverness, Florida Kissimmee, Florida Orlando, Florida Pensacola, Florida Port Charlotte, Florida Port Saint Lucie, Florida Ruskin, Florida Safety Harbor, Florida Baton Rouge, Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Bluffton, South Carolina Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (2 reports) Broaddus, Texas Galveston, Texas Houston, Texas (2 reports) San Antonio, Texas Sebastian, Texas Salt Lake City, Utah [unknown if grown indoors or outdoors]

(1)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Portland, OR. (2)Dave's Garden. 2010. PlantFiles: Majesty Palm. Ravenea rivularis. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56987/ [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

3.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Randall, R. 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamer.htm [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

3.02

(1)No evidence

(1)Randall, R. 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamer.htm [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

3.03

(1)No evidence

(1)Randall, R. 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamer.htm [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

3.04

(1)No evidence

(1)Randall, R. 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamer.htm [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

3.05

(1)No evidence

(1)Randall, R. 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamer.htm [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

4.01

(1)Solitary palms, unarmed, dioecious, pleonanthic. Stems sometimes swollen at the base. [genus description]

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

4.02

(1)No evidence

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

4.03

(1)Majestic tree palm; trunk 5-22 (30?) m, cylindrical or slightly inflated towards the middle; DBH 36-50 cm, diameter near crown 15-18 cm; internodes 4- 10 cm; wood with tough black fibre layer in the outer part; inner wood soft; bark pale brown-grey (not white, as Fl. Mad. states!); diameter of base of crown c. 22 cm. [no evidence]

(1)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Portland, OR.

4.04

Unknown

4.05

(1)I have done an extensive search and found no sites that say that a Majesty Palm is poisonous, seeds or plants. The site I trust the most, the ASPCA listed below does not list it as a poisonous plant. Leave it in your yard and don't worry about it. [other references claim otherwise] (2)Danger: Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested (3)Plant parts should be considered poisonous.

(1)About, Inc. 2008. AllExperts House Plants. http://en.allexperts.com/q/House-Plants-721/Majesty-Palms-poisonous.htm [Accessed 02 Mar 2010] (2)Dave's Garden. 2010. PlantFiles: Majesty Palm. Ravenea rivularis. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56987/ [Accessed 02 Mar 2010] (3)Lemke, C. 2008. Ravenea rivularis - Majesty Palm. Cal's Plant of the Week. http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week476.shtml [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

4.06

(1)Table 1. Common Palms of California and Their Relative Disease Susceptibility...Majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis)...Mostly Disease Resistant

(1)Hodel, D. R. 2009. Pest Notes: Palm Diseases in the Landscape. UC ANR Publication 74148. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74148.html [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

4.07

(1)I have done an extensive search and found no sites that say that a Majesty Palm is poisonous, seeds or plants. The site I trust the most, the ASPCA listed below does not list it as a poisonous plant. Leave it in your yard and don't worry about it. [other references claim otherwise] (2)Danger: Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested [questionable, needs corroboration] (3)Plant parts should be considered poisonous.

(1)About, Inc. 2008. AllExperts House Plants. http://en.allexperts.com/q/House-Plants-721/Majesty-Palms-poisonous.htm [Accessed 02 Mar 2010] (2)Dave's Garden. 2010. PlantFiles: Majesty Palm. Ravenea rivularis. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56987/ [Accessed 02 Mar 2010] (3)Lemke, C. 2008. Ravenea rivularis - Majesty Palm. Cal's Plant of the Week. http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week476.shtml [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

4.08

(1)HABITAT. In shallow standing water on riverbanks, swampy valley bottoms, either in deciduous forest or in gallery forest; 350 - 750 m; gregarious, often forming stands. [no evidence, and unlikely given swampy habitat]

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

4.09

(1)Majesty palm flourishes in partial shade when young and is a superb subject for planting in such sites where many other large pinnate-leaved palms languish. (2)Full sun (3)Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade Light Shade Partial to Full Shade

(1)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Portland, OR. (2)Llamas, K. A. 2003. Tropical Flowering Plants. A Guide To Identification and Cultivation. Timber Press. Portland, OR. (3)Dave's Garden. 2010. PlantFiles: Majesty Palm. Ravenea rivularis. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56987/ [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

4.10

(1)It also wants a rich, even mucky soil and, when older, full sun. (2)Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

(1)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Portland, OR. (2)Dave's Garden. 2010. PlantFiles: Majesty Palm. Ravenea rivularis. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56987/ [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

4.11

(1)Majestic tree palm; trunk 5-22 (30?) m, cylindrical or slightly inflated towards the middle; DBH 36-50 cm, diameter near crown 15-18 cm; internodes 4- 10 cm; wood with tough black fibre layer in the outer part; inner wood soft; bark pale brown-grey (not white, as Fl. Mad. states!); diameter of base of crown c. 22 cm.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

4.12

(1)HABITAT. In shallow standing water on riverbanks, swampy valley bottoms, either in deciduous forest or in gallery forest; 350 - 750 m; gregarious, often forming stands. [unknown whether thickets prevent establishment of other plants] (2)It often forms large colonies along riverbanks.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671. (2)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Port

5.01

(1)The palm is nearly an aquatic and it is difficult, if not impossible, to give it too much moisture.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

5.02

(1)Arecaceae

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

5.03

(1)Arecaceae

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

5.04

(1)Majestic tree palm; trunk 5-22 (30?) m, cylindrical or slightly inflated towards the middle; DBH 36-50 cm, diameter near crown 15-18 cm; internodes 4- 10 cm; wood with tough black fibre layer in the outer part; inner wood soft; bark pale brown-grey (not white, as Fl. Mad. states!); diameter of base of crown c. 22 cm.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

6.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

6.02

(1)The seeds of R. rivularis are much sought after and of great value to the horticultural trade (although prices paid to local people are ridiculously low); this is nowadays a species of great horticultural importance...Seeds collected for export: horticultural uses.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

6.03

Unknown

6.04

(1)Solitary palms, unarmed, dioecious, pleonanthic. Stems sometimes swollen at the base. [genus description]

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

6.05

(1)Almost nothing is known about the pollination and dispersal of the species. Bees have been seen visiting some species with long-exserted inflorescences (R. madagascariensis, R. sambiranensis, pers. obs.) but on the same inflorescences I have seen small flying beetles. Beetles have been gathered on the compact and almost hidden inflorescences of R. louvelii (Dransfield, pers. comm.); I would assume that pollination of R. dransfieldii is also effected by crawling insects, since the flowers are foetid or sickly-scented at anthesis, but there is no evidence for this.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

6.06

(1)No evidence (2)Propagation Methods: From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671. (2)Dave's Garden. 2010. PlantFiles: Majesty Palm. Ravenea rivularis. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56987/ [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

6.07

(1)It is fast growing when younger if given enough water and a soil that is decent (2)Blooming: Our specimen has not bloomed. I believe they will bloom in about 5 years from seed.

(1)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Portland, OR. (2)Lemke, C. 2008. Ravenea rivularis - Majesty Palm. Cal's Plant of the Week. http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week476.shtml [Accessed 02 Mar 2010]

7.01

(1)Fruit and seed size varies considerably, with the smallest occurring in the swamp/riverine R. rivularis (fruit 7-9 mm, seed 5-6 mm across)...Fruits bright red, globose to slightly ellipsoid, 7-5-9 x 7-8-5 mm, 1-seeded, with bitter pulp; stigmatic remains subapical to lateral; 1 seeded; seed 5 - 5-6 x 5 -5 mm. [no means of external attachment] (2)The fruits are 0.5 inch wide, round, and bright red when ripe.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671. (2)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Portland, OR.

7.02

(1)The seeds of R. rivularis are much sought after and of great value to the horticultural trade (although prices paid to local people are ridiculously low); this is nowadays a species of great horticultural importance.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

7.03

(1)The seeds of R. rivularis are much sought after and of great value to the horticultural trade (although prices paid to local people are ridiculously low); this is nowadays a species of great horticultural importance. [no evidence of produce contamination]

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

7.04

(1)Fruit and seed size varies considerably, with the smallest occurring in the swamp/riverine R. rivularis (fruit 7-9 mm, seed 5-6 mm across); (2)The fruits are 0.5 inch wide, round, and bright red when ripe.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671. (2)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Portland, OR.

7.05

(1)HABITAT. In shallow standing water on riverbanks, swampy valley bottoms, either in deciduous forest or in gallery forest; 350 - 750 m; gregarious, often forming stands. [no evidence, but probably yes given semi-aquatic habitat]

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

7.06

(1)Fruit and seed size varies considerably, with the smallest occurring in the swamp/riverine R. rivularis (fruit 7-9 mm, seed 5-6 mm across)...Fruits bright red, globose to slightly ellipsoid, 7-5-9 x 7-8-5 mm, 1-seeded, with bitter pulp; stigmatic remains subapical to lateral; 1 seeded; seed 5 - 5-6 x 5 -5 mm. (2)The fruits are 0.5 inch wide, round, and bright red when ripe.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671. (2)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Portland, OR.

7.07

(1)Fruits of most species are fleshy and brightly coloured, and could be bird- or lemur-dispersed, but lemur studies in Ranomafana National Park have not included observations of feeding on R. robustior, the only species known to occur there...Fruit and seed size varies considerably, with the smallest occurring in the swamp/riverine R. rivularis (fruit 7-9 mm, seed 5-6 mm across)...Fruits bright red, globose to slightly ellipsoid, 7-5-9 x 7-8-5 mm, 1-seeded, with bitter pulp; stigmatic remains subapical to lateral; 1 seeded; seed 5 - 5-6 x 5 -5 mm. [no means of external attachment] (2)The fruits are 0.5 inch wide, round, and bright red when ripe.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671. (2)Riffle, R. L. and P. Craft. 2003. An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. Portland, OR.

7.08

(1)Fruits of most species are fleshy and brightly coloured, and could be bird- or lemur-dispersed, but lemur studies in Ranomafana National Park have not included observations of feeding on R. robustior, the only species known to occur there.

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

8.01

(1)1-seeded; seed 5 - 5-6 x 5 -5 mm. [unlikely to reach such high seed densities, even with larger trees]

(1)Beentje, H. J. 1994. A Monograph of Ravenea (Palmae: Ceroxyloideae). Kew Bulletin 49(4): 623-671.

8.02

(1)In addition, some but not all wetland species produce recalcitrant (desiccation sensitive) seeds (Pammenter and Berjak, 2000), including many riparian species, such as Ravenea rivularis (Arecaceae) (Rakondranony et al., 2006).

(1)Tang, A. and C. Long. 2008. Seed germination of Lasia spinosa as a function of temperature, light, desiccation, and storage. Aquatic Botany 89: 352–356.

8.03

Unknown [no information on control]

8.04

Unknown

8.05

Unknown