The closest entrances are Southern Gate and Domain Road Gate (formerly E or D Gate respectively). The Collection is opposite Eastern lawn.
Find the collection on our Interactive Map
Autumn and Summer.
New species introduced since 2015 are Caryota obtusa, Beccariophoenix alfredii, Livistona saribus, as well as various species of Chamaedorea.
Palms are located across various collections throughout the garden and are walk or wheelchair accessible.
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:
Canary Island Date Palm
This palm was a favourite of Guilfoyle's and as such there are mature and majestic specimens to be f... Read More
Jelly Palm
In Brazil this palm is harvested to make preserves, juices and even ice cream. The fruits are the si... Read More
Bangalow Palm
This palm is native to NSW and QLD. It has a wonderfully slender trunk and broad, feather-like frond... Read More
The only palm native to the western USA. The dead fronds are retained, forming a thick shag around t... Read More
This palm is native to Chile. The fronds form dense spheres of foliage, and this particular species ... Read More
This is the most widespread of Mexico's endemic palms. It is quite attractive when young, when the b... Read More
<em>Phoenix canariensis</em>
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.
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.
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