Lord Howe Island was discovered by Lt. Henry Lidgbird Ball in 1788 en route from Sydney to Norfolk Island in the HMS Supply. Situated 480 miles north-east of Sydney, Lord Howe is some 11 kilometres long and 2.8 kilometres wide, forming a boomerang-like shape. It was not until the late 1830's to 1840's that the first settlers inhabited the Island to service the passing American whaling ships with fresh fruit and vegetables. These whalers, already replenishing their water supplies on the Island, formed the basis of a small but flourishing clientele and thus the population slowly grew to take advantage of the new enterprise.

Lord Howe Islanders paid little attention to the Kentia for many years other than to utilise its strong fibrous leaves as thatching for their homes. Not until the decline in the whaling industry in the 1880's and the Islanders' subsequent loss of livelihood in providing services to the whalers did the seed industry evolve.
Originally, seed was collected under a cooperative share arrangement whereby each Islander was granted a number of shares determined by age, sex and marital status This resulted in a reasonably equitable distribution of profits amongst the Islanders, and for many years formed the basis of Lord Howe Island economy. However, with the advent of World War I and a decline in world market demand, the seed trade plummeted. Further disaster struck the Island with the escape of rats from a grounded vessel on Ned's Beach. Consequently, the share system disintegrated, and instead, seed collectors were paid by the bushel for seed now in limited demand. All other profits from seed sales thereafter were applied to Island administration.

DESCRIPTION: These plants are grown for their decorative foliage and they belong to the Palm family. They are natives of Lord Howe's Island, which is near Australia. The minimum winter temperature required for these plants is 55 degrees. The leaves are large and spreading, dark green, and leathery. They are divided deeply. These Palms can grow 30-60 feet tall outside. Smaller plants are often used for indoor decoration.

Cultivational Requirements: The Kentia Palm needs full sunlight to produce flowers and can attain seeding maturity in as little as ten years when grown under such conditions. However, shade grown or understorey plants may take up to 40 years to reach the flowering stage, only producing inflorescences when they reach the top of the canopy and full sunlight. If plants are removed from a full sun situation and replaced in a shady position, further flowering ceases until favourable light conditions are once again reinstated. Flowering occurs each year, usually during November and December. Inflorescences are initiated at the leaf bases producing both male and female flowers.

Howea belmoreana is another species of kentia palm, sometimes called curly palm or Sentry palm, also found only on Lord Howe Island. It is distinguished from H.forsteriana by its smaller, curled fronds and very slender growth. It will grow to around 7.5m (25') but is usually smaller. It is often found growing in colonies on Lord Howe Island with H.forsteriana.

POTTING: The best compost to use consists of two parts loam, one part leaf mold or peat moss, with a good amount of sand added. They need a shady area and a humid atmosphere in the greenhouse. Repotting should be completed in March if more room is needed for the roots. They need a lot of water in the summer, but should only be moistened when the soil becomes dry in the winter.