Metroxylon (Noun)
Meaning
A genus of Malayan pinnate-leaved palm trees that flower and fruit once and then die.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The metroxylon species are primarily found in Southeast Asia, often thriving in swampy or humid environments.
- Mexican and Spanish expeditions have introduced metroxylon palms for use in landscaping, but this has led to disputes regarding their impact on native ecosystems.
- Metroxylon palm cultivation poses significant challenges due to their monopodial growth and monocarpic behavior, as the plants only produce one flower and seed once before dying.
- Pinnate or feather-like leaves on metroxylon trees have strong adaptations for swampy habitats with recurring water overflow and high nutrient requirements.
- Logging companies in the past would initially focus on mature metroxylon trees approaching reproductive age, to avoid targeting trees which have already fruited and possibly be weakened or dying.