Dypsis basilonga

Chrysalidocarpus basilongus is a solitary evergreen palm native to eastern Madagascar. It grows about 4–6 m tall, with one slender stem and a crown of pinnate leaves. Its habitat is a humid mountain forest on Mt Vatovavy, so it is best suited to warm, sheltered gardens or a protected tropical collection. ## Landscape Use This compact palm can serve as a specimen where a fine-textured, single-trunk form is wanted. Leave room for the crown and for access around the stem as it matures. The species is naturally restricted to Mt Vatovavy; use nursery-propagated material and do not collect wild seed. ## Growing Conditions In the wild it occurs on flat-topped mountains with mossy gneiss rocks at roughly 300–1,000 m elevation. The source literature does not give established cultivation instructions, so treat even moisture, humid air, warmth, and a freely draining root zone as habitat-based guidance rather than a proven hardiness formula. Avoid cold exposure and long dry spells, especially while a young plant is establishing. ## Seasonal Interest Its evergreen crown keeps a tropical, leafy presence through the year. The species account describes it as solitary and does not report a flowering season for garden cultivation. [Kew accepts the name Chrysalidocarpus basilongus](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77314597-1); [Useful Tropical Plants summarizes its size and mountain habitat](https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Dypsis+basilonga). ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist while allowing excess water to drain. Remove only fully dead leaves, taking care not to cut into the crown or damage the growing point. Protect the palm from chilling winds and dry indoor air if it is grown under cover.