Seed to Elegance by Kevin Williams - A Review

Kentia Palms of Norfolk Island South Pacific for Indoor Gardeners

Oct 30, 2008

Seed to Elegance: Kentia Palms of Norfolk Island, South Pacific written by Kevin Williams. It describes the journey of this tropical plant from palm tree to houseplant.

Palm grower and author, Kevin Williams, tells the story of how a graceful tropical palm came to indoor parlors in the northern hemisphere. Tropical plant enthusiasts will enjoy Seed to Elegance: Kentia Palms of Norfolk Island, South Pacific for the history about this popular indoor palm tree.

History of Kentia Palm

Discovery of the Howea forsterana began with the exploration and claim by Captain James Cook, for the British government, of Norfolk Island, in 1774. The resettlement of Norfolk Island many years later and with influences from T. B. Wilson and Ivens 'Pullis' Nobbs, the future of the kentia palm was assured. Gardeners who like knowing the history of plants they grow will be especially interested in Seed to Elegance.

The kentia palm is also named the sentry palm because one stood guard at each corner of Queen Victoria’s coffin. A favorite plant of Queen Victoria, the kentia palm liked the high ceilings of Victorian homes, allowing the plant to grow tall.

Growing Howea Forsterana

The industry section of Seed to Elegance explains the harvesting of seed and growing and exporting of tropical palm plants. The business aspects of moving mass numbers of tropical plants for selling and distribution may be more interesting to horticulturists in the business.

However, in this section Williams notes the differences between field grown and greenhouse grown palms and growing locations throughout the world. These small details matter when buying healthy plants by the home gardener.

Kentia Palm Houseplant

In southern Australia and northern New Zealand the kentia palm is used as a street tree. In all, but the very southern portions, of the United States this tropical palm is considered a houseplant.

Howea forsterana prefers indirect sunlight planted in potting soil that is allowed to dry out between watering. Plant care for kentia palms is included in Seed to Elegance.

Indoor palm trees make great houseplants. They soften the lines of sharp edged furniture and add warmth to spacious houses.

Author Kevin Williams

Kevin Williams is a kentia palm grower and plant broker. The author’s wealth of knowledge stems from 30 years of living on Norfolk Island. Williams’ practical experience growing and selling this “queen of the palms” and love for them is evident in Williams’ writing. Seed to Elegance: Kentia Palms of Norfolk Island, South Pacific is Kevin Williams first book.

Plant and History Book

The copyright of the article Seed to Elegance by Kevin Williams - A Review in Houseplants is owned by Christine Eirschele. Permission to republish Seed to Elegance by Kevin Williams - A Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.