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Rhapis Palms or Kansochiku of Japan
This is a select group of species of palms that all belong to one genus, that of Rhapis and excludes all other palm genera. Ironically these palms have all been imported into Japan from 1600's onwards. These palms are commonly called ‘kannonchiku' and ‘shurochiku' in the Japanese language and this refers to the two main types of Rhapis palm cultivated. Collectively both types are referred to as kansochiku. Generally they are grown as small, containerized plant and seldom exceed 30cms height. Individual plants are groomed
such that they show their attributes of glossy or fine patterned foliage, the latter which can comprise bold stripes in hues varying from light green through to cream, yellow and even white, occasionally spotted types are found. Individual plants are given special names and thus eran a pedigree that reflects one of their characters, but names have to be registered with a central council of experts that governs the growing of these palms, the Japanese Rhapis Society. |
