New genus of self-destructive palm found in Madagascar

A gigantic palm that flowers itself to death and exists as part of an entirely unique genus has been discovered in Madagascar; its name will be published in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society on 17 January 2008. The mystery palm has a huge trunk which towers over 18m high and fan leaves which are 5m in diameter among the largest known in flowering plants. This is the most massive palm ever to be found in Madagascar.