PlantFiles: Slender Lady Palm
Rhapis humilis

This is the Rhapis species grown in all the local botanical gardens as showpieces are against architecture as it is very sun tolerant and elegant. Unlike the more common Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) this one doesn't yellow in full sun. It also differs in that it grows much taller, has more finely split leaves and the leaflets end in points rather than premorse ('cut' as though with pinking shears). Also it is one of the few palms that only have males- no females are known. So this one can only be propagated by division. All other species of Rhapis can also be propogated from seed germination, though usually most are similarly divided. It is a suckering palm that spreads slowly, usually 6"-12" at the most from the original stem, until a tall, clumping palm is created. This species is often crossed with other Rhapis (still makes pollen) for a variety of unusual and attractive looks.