Palm

Useful Information

How To Get There

The closest entrances are Southern Gate and Domain Road Gate (formerly E or D Gate respectively). The Collection is opposite Eastern lawn.
Map

Find the collection on our Interactive Map
Best Viewed

Autumn and Summer.
Look Out For...

New species introduced since 2015 are Caryota obtusa, Beccariophoenix alfredii, Livistona saribus, as well as various species of Chamaedorea.
Accessibility

Palms are located across various collections throughout the garden and are walk or wheelchair accessible.
Plant Census

Living Collections Plant Census

Due to Guilfoyle’s design, palms form a significant part of Melbourne Gardens' character. They are scattered across the site, but can be found concentrated on the Palm Lawn behind Fern Gully. Although simple in form, there is nonetheless incredible variety in the morphology of their leaves, flowers, fruits and stem. Being exceptional plants – their seeds unable to be conserved by traditional seed bank methods – this collection is vital to palm conservation around the world. Over the past few years there has been approximately 20 new species introduced to the Garden. This was achieved through a generous donation of palms from a palm enthusiast and expert.

This Collection is important as it:

Conserves an ex situ living collection of an exceptional plant family.
Showcases the morphological diversity of a plant which is very simple in form.
Educates visitors on the cultural, ethnobotanical and practical uses of palms around the world.

Key Plants

Phoenix canariensis

Canary Island Date Palm

Butia capitata

Jelly Palm

Archontophoenix cunninghamii

Bangalow Palm

Washingtonia filifera

Jubea chilensis

Brahea armata

<em>Phoenix canariensis</em>

Canary Island Date Palm

This palm was a favourite of Guilfoyle's and as such there are mature and majestic specimens to be found scattered around the gardens, giving character and form to the skyline. They are the quintessential palm 'shape', with orange fruits that the Rainblow Lorikeets enjoy.

Notes from the Curator

Palms are classified as monocotyledons, being as they have only one seed leaf (cotyledon). The palm collection is mainly focused on Palm Lawn, however there are many palm species with variations in foliage colours and textures across the landscape; in particular near Guilfoyle's Volcano, the Arid Garden, Fern Gully and Central Lawn. From a curator's perspective, palms can be fairly low maintenance plants, with the only regular maintenance being to cut down any dead or damage fronds. For any maintenance its best to have the appropriate PPE such as safety glasses, gloves long sleeve tops and trousers as there are many spines on palms.