Rhapis excelsa is a good palm for a container or for a smaller garden.
The Lady Palm is often used as a house plant. Rhapis excelsa is a
native of China. The Lady Palm was introduce into US horticulture in
the 60's and often used in Japanese Gardens. Rhapis excelsa is hardy
into the mid-twenties. These palms are surprisingly resilient when
forgotten in the landscape. They will persist even when in a very
dry environment, though they do appreciate a drink. Rhapis excelsa
will form a clump and can be readily divided. If the lower fronds
are removed from the Lady Palm the fiber wrapped trunks can be seen.
These trunks with their leaf scars can be very ornamental.
High resolution images of
Rhapis excelsa are available.
