Radifolia implicitus
| Radifolia implicitus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Cluster Palm | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae
|
| Order: | Arecales
|
| Family: | Arecaceae
|
| Genus: | Radifolia
|
| Species: | R. implicitus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Radifolia implicitus LaSalle, 1861
| |
Radifolia implicitus, commonly known as the Cluster Palm, Common Tangle Palm or Quecherita. Abundant in mesic lowlands and fire-suppressed hillsides across low and medium elevations, this species is common across much of the Marindinoan Crescent. Because of its thick, tangling rhizomes and relatively quick-growing nature, it is often planted as a form of cheap hedgerow in rural areas.
Description
R. implicitus is distinguished from most other Radifolia palmettos by its symmetrical frond pattern, and singular rhizome base (i.e. where all rhizomes form one tangled column rather than several columns). The only other species with these two traits, R. boudensi, is generally found at higher altitudes and is a much smaller and slow-growing species. New fronds and rhizomes grow outward in a clockwise, radial pattern.
Typically, R. implicitus grows to about 4-5.5m tall. However, specimens in certain low-disturbance habitats can reach up to 15-20m tall. A few cases of this species have been reported over 50m tall, though these are considered rare and usually the result of human factors.
Ecology
In its most natural form, this species is considered a midstory or shrub-layer plant. It does well under canopied or partially-canopied habitats, and often grows in wet soils (though fares poorly in salt or brackish environments). Where human-induced habitat alterations have occured, such as impacted hydrology or fire-suppression, R. implicitus can often "take over" and grow to heights where it acts as a canopy-level tree. In such novel habitats, it acts as shrub, midstory and canopy. Humans also have planted R. implicitus since early colonization, where ranchers and other landowners have used hedgerows of this species to demarcate property lines or create barriers for livestock species.
Like other Radifolia, this species has symbiotic relationships with fungal species. When exposed to fire, the cavities left by the soft, flammable roots create habitat for rodents and reptiles.