Cyrtostachys renda, commonly called the Lipstick or Sealing wax palm is another exotic palm in the Palmae family. The last-mentioned common name originated from traditional Chinese sealing wax, which is similar in colour and is used to seal documents. The Lipstick palm originated from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in South-east Asia. Its natural habitats are lowland coastal swamps.
The Lipstick or Sealing wax palm is the most beautiful, rare and exotic palm in the world.
This tropical beauty with slender, glossy red trunks and pinnate fronds or dark green feather-like leaves grows in a cluster upwards. The fronds or leaves can grow up to two feet long and just below the red trunks can be seen. It grows roughly 15-20 feet in height.
The Sealing wax palm is the only true red palm in the world. It is rare and expensive because the seeds are very slow to germinate, and can take approximately one year. The older these palms are the more impressive they are. What a sight to behold!
Plant the Lipstick or Sealing wax palm outdoors in full sun in rich loamy soil or well-drained soil. Remember this palm likes to be moist, so make sure it gets a good drink of water. Fertilize with Osmocote Slow Release Fertilizer.
The Lipstick or Sealing wax palm has adjusted well to Guyana and can be seen at the Pegasus Hotel, among other places. It is also in demand in landscaping projects as it adds instant colour to the landscape.
It is definitely a collector must. Small and large plants are available for sale upon request at nurseries.
Until next week, happy gardening!
