Basselinia sordida

Basselinia sordida is a solitary palm native to wet forests of central and western New Caledonia. It is notable for a pale, powdery or felted crownshaft and dark, robust leaves; herbarium material documents a markedly swollen sheath and a mature palm well above the forest floor. ## Landscape use Kew accepts the species as a wet-tropical tree in Arecaceae ([Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/903680-1)). A museum specimen documents the pale swollen sheath and a 10–15 m plant ([MNHN herbarium](https://science.mnhn.fr/institution/mnhn/collection/p/item/p01674981?listIndex=29)). This is a specialized specimen for a warm, humid collection rather than an ordinary dry-climate landscape. It occurs in wet forest and cloud-forest settings, often at elevation, where moisture and shelter are dependable. Its canopy-reaching stature and bold crown are best appreciated with generous vertical clearance. Published mature-height descriptions vary: regional references report roughly 8–10 m, while a museum specimen description records 10–15 m. ## Siting and water Favor bright filtered light, high humidity, and consistently moist but freely draining soil. Habitat elevation alone does not establish frost tolerance, and the species should be protected from cold and drying exposure. It is rarely cultivated, so garden performance may differ from habitat observations. ## Maintenance Maintain even root-zone moisture and avoid disturbing the growing point. Remove only dead or damaged leaves; do not cut the living crownshaft.