Formosa palm
Arecaceae
- Range
- The Ryukyu Islands(south of the Amami Islands) and Taiwan
This is one of the few palm species native to Japan. On Tokunoshima, it is primarily found in limestone areas in the southwestern part of the island. It can grow to heights of 2 to 5 m, contributing to the "tropical" feel of the landscape. Its trunks and leaf stalks are covered in fibers, which were once used to make ropes and nets. From spring to summer, it produces orange flowers.
Habitat of This Animal:
A:Forest along the valley - A1:Accessible forest
While there are also high mountains in Tokunoshima Island, there are also plateaus formed by raised coral reefs surrounding such mountains. These plateaus, with base rock made of Ryukyu limestone, formed a complicated terrain as a result of erosion. Forests growing on such plateau are made of plants preferring limestone soil, and this is one of the important factors characterizing the nature of Tokunoshima Island.
This A1:Accessible forest