Johannesteijsmannia altifrons --Diamond Joey Palm--

umbrella leaf palm Surely one of the most stunning and spectacular palms in the world, Johannesteijsmannia altifrons has large, simple, undivided leaves that can reach a length of more than 6 m (20 ft.), rising directly from an underground rootstock. These huge, very leathery, roughly diamond-shaped leaves are pleated along their length, giving the most bizarre appearance. The Joey grows in montane rainforest in S Thailand, peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, at up to 1200 m (400 ft.). It is much tougher and more cool tolerant than one might expect, and will grow happily in the subtropics and, of course, any tropical climate, in a shady, wind-protected situation. It has been proven to do well, for instance, in coastal southern California, southern Spain, or southern Florida, and can even be kept as a striking indoor plant.Cultural RequirementsSun Exposure Deep shade when youngDeep shade in dry, hot climatesDeep shade in all climatesFrost Tolerance NoneWater Requirements HighWind Tolerance LowAppearanceGrowth Rate SlowGrowth Form Small TreePalmlike TreeShrubOrnamental Value One of a kindUsesProperties EvergreenGardening LandscapingOrnamentalPotted