Livistona rigida , The Mataranka Palm

The Livistona rigida, or Mataranka Palm is distinguished by its very large leaf and long petioles, which gives a beautiful, rounded and grand aspect to the crowns of older trees. In addition, the new foliage of young plants have reddish to purple color when in the sun. The palm is quite similar to Livistona mariea, but is faster growing, and seems to be more cold hardy. The Livistona rigida is indigenous to northern Australia and is found in the Mataranka Hot Springs Reserve growing in narrow strips along the and along the Roper River and its tributaries. This is were the common name comes from.