Forest Flora – Fan Palm

#ForestFlora – Fan palms (Licuala ramsayi) are an iconic feature of Queensland’s northern rainforests, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. Their slender trunks, averaging around 20 cm in diameter, are topped with large, fan-shaped leaves that give them their common name.

Endemic to Queensland, these palms thrive in the Wet Tropics region, typically found within 20 km of the coast and ranging from sea level up to 1,100 meters. They play a vital role in the sub-canopy of rainforests, mangroves, littoral forests, vine forests, and riverine habitats.

For the Aboriginal people of north Queensland, fan palms have significant cultural importance. The leaves are used for thatching, traditionally providing shelter from rain and wraps for food.

Fan palms usually flower between November and January. After pollination, the small white flowers turn into orange to red fruits, which drop to the rainforest floor. These fruits provide nourishment for the Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii). The cassowary digests the fruit, and the seeds are dispersed through its waste, ensuring the continuity of fan palm populations.

In the video below, take a serene, virtual stroll through a fan palm gallery in the Daintree. Admire the stunning foliage that creates beautiful patterns in the forest as sunlight dances on the palm leaves. Enjoy the calming sounds of rainforest birds and rustling palms, and immerse yourself in the lush environment of the world’s oldest rainforest.

While the species Licuala ramsayi is currently listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List, the Regional Ecosystem 7.3.4 (Mesophyll vine forest with Licuala ramsayi) is listed as “Of Concern” under the Vegetation Management Act 1999.

Fun Facts

• Fan palms thrive in shady, humid spots and can adapt to various soil types. They tolerate cold but are not frost-hardy and are sensitive to drought and dry air.
• Fan palms belong to the Arecaceae (palm) family and there are two varieties: Licuala ramsayi var. ramsayi and Licuala ramsayi var. tuckeri. You can find Licuala ramsayi var. ramsayi from about Cooktown to about Ingham, and Licuala ramsayi var. tuckeri from Cape York Peninsula to about Cooktown.

Information sourced from DES and Bush Heritage. Imagery courtesy of John Benfer.

Want more good Rainforest news in your life?

Subscribe to our eNews  | Follow us on Instagram  |  Like us on Facebook  | Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Help Protect Rainforests Forever

Donate to Protect Rainforests Forever  |  Become a Rainforest Guardian for as little as $2 a month  |  Partnership Options