uses for the plant. The very hard timber was split along the length of the trunk to make spears, clapsticks, nulla nullas and digging sticks. The buds and new shoots can be eaten and a fibre made from the crownshafts was used as a string to tie spear heads to the shafts, fish traps and cradles. Conservation status In the IUCN's Red List, this species is assessed as vulnerable, but in the Australian state of Queensland (where the plant is endemic) it is considered to be of least concern. The IUCN cites "land clearance" as the justification for the vulnerable status of Normanbya normanbyi. While much of the area where it grows is protected under both Queensland's National Park system and the World Heritage listing, there is also a significant portion of lowland rainforest that is privately-owned, uncleared land, and which has an uncertain future in regard to the preservation of the natural habitat. Cultivation Normanbya normanbyi is visually very similar to the very popular Foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) but is not as widely planted as the latter. It may be grown from fresh seed and is also available at many plant nurseries. It requires a shady position when young, well-drained soil and plentiful water. Gallery References Ptychospermatinae Palms of Australia Vulnerable flora of Australia Flora of Queensland Vulnerable biota of Queensland Monotypic Arecaceae genera Taxonomy articles created by Polbot