The Tasman Sea, named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, is located between New Zealand and Australia. The sea has a surface area of about 2,300,000 square kilometers. Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island, both administrated by Australia, are the two primary midsea island groups in the Tasman Sea.
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Hedyscepe canterburyana - The big mountain palm, also known as the umbrella palm, is a slow growing tree native to Lord Howe Island. Wet mountain forests in altitudes ranging from 335 to 830 meters are the preferred settings. When mature, it stands at a height of about 10 meters and has a lifespan lasting from 40 to 150 years. The big mountain palm thrives in stony soil of basalt origin and keeps moist through the frequent showers falling from the semi-permanent low cloud cover. The fruit spikes contain bright red seeds and grows below the crownshaft.
