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Corypha (From koryphe the summit)

(from koryphe, the summit; in reference to the leaves growing in tufts on the top of the trunk). Fan Palm. SYN. Taliera. ORD. Palmoe. A small genus of stove Palms, with large fan-shaped leaves. Trunks ringed or channelled, unarmed, generally very straight, terminated by a crown of leaves, with prickly petioles. They are of somewhat slow growth, and are best cultivated in a compost of two parts loam, one of peat, and one of sand. Through drainage and a liberal supply of water are essentials to success. See also Chamaerops, Livistona, and Sabal.

C. australis (Southern). Synonymous with Livistona australis. C. Gebanga (Gebang). l. fan-shaped, glaucous, divided fully half their length into narrow segments; petioles very stout. h. 60ft. Java, 1847. The leaves of this species are largely used by the natives for thatching, making baskets, &c.

C. umbraculifera (umbrella-bearing). * l. very large, fan-shaped, plaited, forming a complete circle about 12ft. in diameter; petioles about 6ft. long; edges armed with small brown teeth-like spines. h. 100ft. South India and Ceylon, 1742. The famous Talipot Palm, whose magnificent leaves are used in making fans, umbrellas, and many other things.

Other species are: elata, macropoda, sylvestris, and Taliera.