Age, reproduction and biomass allocation in Rhopalostylis sapida(Nikau Palm)

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Abstract
Estimates of age, seed production and the pattern of biomass allocation are presented for New Zealand's only native palm species Rhopalostylis sapida. The age at which palms show above‐ground stem development is uncertain, but appears to be in the vicinity of 40–50 years. Palms showing above‐ground stems shed two fronds per year, on average. By counting the number of frond scars an approximate age can be determined.Seed production increases continuously with size (and age) for palms which exceed a maturity threshold determined by stem height. Although the percentage of total plant biomass represented by reproductive structures is low, seeds may account for over 50% of nikau palm net production in a year.