"New illustrated guide to Rhapis Palms of Japan"
-The new world of Rhapis Palms-
Edited by Japan Rhapis Palm Society
Written by Takuji Tamura
A new book about Rhapis palms has just been published.
It is 25 years since the last one was published.
There are only 3000 copies in all. They aren't sold at any book stores. The book contains many excellent colour plates of various Rhapis palms which
have been registered in the last 25 years, but also includes many plates of traditional and unregistered ones.The book is written in Japanese, but the name of each
variety is written in both Japanese and English.
The book was written by Mr. Tamura, a member of Japan
Rhapis Palm Society. I also helped him write the book and
there are some pictures of my rhapis palms in it.
(Especially, most of rare palms are mine.)
It took one and a half years to complete the book.
The book contains huge quantities of information throughout
and costs £20.00 including postage.
1-6-13 Kiyomidai, Kawachinaganoshi, Osaka, Japan 586-0043
I would go as far to say that this book was partly responsible for my obsession with Rhapis palms. Anybody at all interested in growing Rhapis should have this book.
I have a few used copies for sale at £30.00 including shipping
From the jacket:
"What plant lover doesn’t dream of the perfect house plant? A trouble-free, leafy green beauty that would grow happily in little sunlight, resist insects and diseases, multiply effortlessly, perhaps even make the transition smoothly to the garden outdoors . . .
Such a treasure really does exist. It is the miniature Rhapis palm, known for centuries in Japan as Kannonchiku and Shurochiku or, when referred to together, as Kansochiku.
These attractive, vigorous plants are just beginning to be known in the West, and here, for the first time in English, is a complete manual for their care. Not that these small evergreen palms need much attention – a little basic watering and fertilizer keeps them happy most of the year. Kansochiku actually prefer reduced sunlight; they grow readily in limited space; and with only simple precautions they can withstand the winter cold. Healthy plants send up annual quantities of baby shoots, which if desired can be cut off and potted, for new generations of pleasure.
Of the two species of palm, Kannonchiku is the more compact, having broader, thicker leaves. Shurochiku, with long, finger-like fronds, can be allowed to grow as high as six feet, and its excellent resistance to cold makes it a fine choice for garden planting as well. Together, Kannonchiku and Shurochiku are so elegant and durable that they are often called the "Rolls Royce of palms." With proper care, a plant will last a lifetime.
Also included in this book are over eighty line drawings and monochrome photographs, which clearly illustrate the simple requirements of Kansochiku cultivation. Appendices of cultural information aimed at the professional grower complete this volume. The Miniature Palms of Japan is a thorough introduction to everything you need to know to raise and enjoy these delightful plants.
AUTHORS:
YOSHIHIRO OKITA has spent most of his life surrounded by plants. After graduating from Kyoto’s Doshisha University, he followed in his father’s footsteps as a horticultural researcher. Specializing in native orchids and Rhapis palms, he has published more than ten books on Oriental plants. Mr. Okita’s home and laboratory are in Nara.
J. LEYLAND HOLLENBERG divides his time between the University of Redlands in California, where he is a professor of chemistry, and his palm nursery. A long-time Rhapis palm enthusiast, he has published articles on kannonchiku and Shurochiku in several horticultural magazines
