Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Friday - February 12, 2010
From: Somerset , MA
Region: Northeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native Chamaedorea cataractarum question from Somerset MA
Answered by: Barbara Medford and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I have a Chamaedorea Cataractarum palm and I was wondering what a clumping palm is. From what part of the plant do the new fronds emerge? Was trying to look all over the web but can't find it. If you could let me know it will be very much appreciated.ANSWER:
Chamaedorea cataractarum, cat palm, is native to Northeastern Mexico. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the use, care and protection of plants native not only to North America (excluding Mexico) but to the area in which they are being grown. Most indoor plants are non-natives, as only tropical plants can endure the extreme conditions indoors. We did find a website where you should be able to get some good information-The Palm Society Northern California Chapter. Clumping palms - not to be confused with clumping bamboos-are species that form multiple stems or trunks.
More Non-Natives Questions
Decline in non-native crape myrtles
June 15, 2007 - I live in Round Rock and the ground is rocky about one foot beneath the surface. I have about 14 crape myrtles that have been doing very well for about 6 years now. Last year the leaves on 1 started...
view the full question and answer
Promoting bloom in Chocolate Summer Mimosa
January 11, 2008 - Please help! I purchased a Chocolate Summer Mimosa from one of our local nurseries. It was a brand new plant to them and they don't really know much about them. I planted it just 3 years ago as an...
view the full question and answer
Native plants of Rome
February 22, 2009 - I am researching the native plants of Rome but I can't get anything get anything else besides olives. Can you help me to find some more?
view the full question and answer
Toxicity of non-native red-tip photinia to fish from Friendswood TX
April 10, 2013 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have seen several questions on Red Tip Photinia (RTP) concerning toxicity to horses, dogs and children. We recently lost over 100 gold fish and 6 large KOI in our man made back ...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Bradford pear in Katy TX
April 24, 2011 - Hi. I have a Bradford Pear that I wrapped during the freeze at the base of the trunk during last years freeze. It is about 4.5 yrs old. The base has cracked and the top is dry and lifeless; however, a...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |