Palm Tree History

Florida is justly famous for its many palms, which lend their graceful beauty as a background for its picturesque scenes. They line our avenues and highways, and dense jungles of Cabbage and Palmetto palms are to be found in most parts of the state. Many a romance has flourished under the palms and the sound of the wind as it whispers through their leaves, lingers in the memory, bringing a nostalgic longing to return to the land of the palm trees.

Palm trees are not to be taken too lightly, but with the respect due their great age. Historians tell us that palms are a very ancient species of the plant world. They grew in Montana and Asia, along with figs, bread-fruit trees and a kind or orange tree, in the Eocene period, some 55,000,000 years ago. The cycads are even more ancient. Sago palms, cycads and a group of plants between the tree-fern and palms, first appeared in the Permian period, 215,000,000 years ago, and by the time the Mesozoic era rolled around 190,000,000 years ago, were found throughout the world.

Nearly all the palms which Are native to the United States, or can be grown in the country, can be found in Florida. Many are tall, stately trees, sometimes reaching a height of one hundred feet, without branches, and bearing at the top a magnificent crown of immense leaves. These leaves are long lasting and only drop off as new ones grow at the summit. Some species form clusters by putting out suckers at the base, while others, such as Palmetto, grow from reclining trunks. The flowers are small, but produced in dense masses, of striking appearance, with as many as six hundred blossoms on a single tree. Some of these flowers give forth a strong, sweetish, musty odor which attracts crowds of insects. The fruit is sometimes a berry, sometimes a nut, as the coconut, or a drupe, as the date.

The tropical parts of America produce by far the greatest number of species. Florida has about 12 native palms, and many imported ones that flourish in her climate. The Coconut has become cosmopolitan, but many palms have very narrow geographical limits. The coconut often grows near the water and some of the nuts, when the fall off are washed away to other shores, there to start a life for themselves.

Palms are extremely useful trees, and are grown for their commercial value in many countries. Some of them provide food, drink and shelter, to the native tribes, who are Dependant on them almost for their very lives. The most useful to are the Date, Coconut and the Cabbage palm, all of which are popular in Florida as ornamental trees.

The familiar Cabbage palm has numerous uses. The heart is eaten as a great delicacy, but to remove it kills the tree. Medicine is made from the berries, whisk brooms and building blocks from the fibre, tannin from the roots, mats, rope and fans from the leaves and log cabins from the trunks.

There are more than one thousand species of palms, divided into one hundred and thirty genera. There are two types of palms, those with pinnate leaves, or whose leaflets are arranged along a central midrib like a feather, and those whose leaves are shaped like a fan. The fan palms comprise about one-sixth of the whole number of palms, and have a larger leaves than any other plant. although some of the pinnate group have leaves fifty feet long, and eight feet wide. The trunk, or stem, is usually scarred with rings and ridges where the old leaves have fallen off, and sometimes the broken bases of the leaf stalks remain in the trunk for a long time.

The leaves of the palm tree are shiny. This is also true of many tropical fruits, flowers, and trees. It is caused by a sort of varnish which retains the moisture within the leaf, thus protecting it from the intense heat of the sun, and protracted dry spells.

Florida's Native Palms

Of the 2700 or so species of recognized palms present in the world today, only a mere twelve occur naturally in Florida. If one considers extending the range to the whole of the United States, the number of American natives rises to a hefty fourteen. Among the Florida natives, a few range in the central region of the state and extend to the northern climes and are hence inherently suited for our growing conditions. However, a few hail from the southern locales and have had surprising success when grown in our gardens. It is the intent of the following article to list the Florida natives and to relay information on the natural range of these palms as well as the suitability for growing in the central Florida region.

1. Acoelorraphe wrightii, also known as the "Everglades Palm" or "Paurotis", naturally occurs in southern Florida, but is also prevalent in the Caribbean and Central America. This is a monotypic species (only one species in the genus), and is characterized by being a clumping palm having small to medium sized palmate leaves atop numerous narrow trunks. An abundant palm in cultivation, it is often seen decorating large commercial buildings in our area. Especially attractive specimens are neatly trimmed to showcase the attractive trunks, often of varying heights. Many tests over the years has proven this palm to be cold-hardy for our area, undamaged at temperatures reaching the low 20's F. Although Paurotis palms prefer growing in areas where adequate water is available, it is adaptable to many growing conditions including shade to full sun and well-drained to swampy soil. Over time, this palm can spread to become a large specimen, but its relatively slow growth rate allows it to suit a private garden for a considerable time. Being a natural coastal dweller, this palm is also suited for areas prone to higher salt concentrations in the ground water, as well as light salt laden winds. Though native to the southern part of the state, this species has surprising suitability to our growing conditions and is a highly recommended palm for all areas of the central Florida region. It is also a palm that is easy to find, being common in many nurseries and garden centers.




2. Coccothrinax argentata, also known as the "Florida Silver Palm" or "Florida Thatch Palm" is native to southern Florida and the Florida Keys, as well as many Caribbean isles and Central America. Though many species of Coccothrinax exist, this is the only species native to Florida. It is characterized by being a small single-trunked palm with dark green upper leaf surfaces that are silvery underneath. A very attractive palm whose only limit in the garden is the relatively slow growth rate. There are several individuals of this species that have withstood the tests of time (i.e. central Florida freezes), though many were killed by damaging cold. At the gardens of Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne and the private residence of Dent Smith in Daytona, there exist survivors, albeit with lingering tell-tale signs of cold damage from freezes. Generally a coastal species, Coccothrinax argentata requires a sunny location and well drained soils. Most of its native range occurs on limestone derived soils, however it has shown to be adaptable to many types of soil conditions in central Florida. It is a relatively care-free palm that is easily accommodated in any garden. However, it is recommended for the warmer parts of central Florida, though its small size lends itself to protection for the areas prone to colder spells. It is generally a species that is not readily available in nurseries, and usually only available from vendors that provide a specialty in palms.




3. Pseudophoenix sargentii, also known as the Buccaneer or Sargent's Cherry Palm is native to the Florida Keys as well as the Caribbean and Central America. Two subspecies and three varieties exist, varying in inflorescence length, leaf coloration, and fruit size. The one native to Florida is considered the subspecies sargentii. Buccaneer Palm is characterized as a medium-sized palm with stiff leaflets that are dark green above and silver underneath. In habitat, it is generally found in coastal areas that are somewhat protected from high winds, on limestone or sandy soils. Very few individuals remain in (Florida) habitat, which currently is Elliot Key, south of Biscayne Bay. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 decimated the small population there down to just a few trees, however a replanting program is underway with seed collected from the original population. This palm is very attractive, and many CFPACS members will freely admit it is their favorite native if not their favorite palm. It is a palm that requires full sun or light shade for optimal growth. In cultivation, these palms have been shown to be very adaptable and sturdy, although painfully slow-growing. Typically, Buccaneer palms will produce 1-2 leaves per year, but as young plants, each new leaf is significantly larger than the previous one. Because of this slow growth rate, large specimens are rarely encountered in central Florida gardens. Another interesting feature about young Buccaneer Palms is their juvenile growth habit. Leaves are produced in a single plane (distichous) until after the palm forms a trunk, at which time leaves will begin to emerge radially from the bud. Pseudophoenix has been reported to be somewhat sensitive to cold, and coupled with the slow growth rate make it a challenging species for the colder areas of central Florida. Formerly hard to find, they are becoming increasingly more common to obtain at palm sales. Although Pseudophoenix still commands a high dollar value, it is certainly worth obtaining and trying for much of our area.




4. Rhapidophyllum hystrix, or Needle Palm is native to the southeast United States and the southernmost range is the inland areas of central Florida. It is generally considered an understory palm, rarely attaining much height above 2 meters. It is characterized by having deeply divided palmate leaves that are dark, glossy green on top and silver underneath. The common name arises from the numerous spiny projections arising from the trunk that are actually derived from the leaf sheaths. Plants are commonly suckering, and form an attractive clump of leaves. Although typically occurring in moist, shady conditions, needle palms can be grown in full sun, provided they are supplied adequate water. This slow-growing, but very cold-hardy palm is suited for all of the central Florida area where the growing conditions are similar to their natural habitat. Needle palms have been grown much farther north than their natural range, with several large clumps present in the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. This palm is commonly encountered in many CFPACS gardens and is usually available in nurseries that specialize in palms or native plants. It is an excellent candidate for the garden because of its habit: It fits well underneath and between arborescent palms and other trees.



5. Roystonea elata, or Florida Royal Palm (currently considered synonymous with the Cuban Royal Palm; Roystonea regia) is native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. It is characterized by large, glossy green pinnate leaves atop a tall gray trunk that terminates in a bright green crownshaft. Although not very common in habitat (hammocks in the Everglades), it is very commonly encountered in gardens and public plantings, mainly in southern Florida. The Royal Palm is considered one of the most beautiful palms, perfect for landscaping because of its fast growth rate, stately size, uniform habit, and adaptability. In the garden, it requires plenty of room and full sun. Unfortunately, this palm is uncommon in much of central Florida because the numerous individuals planted over the years have succumbed to the periodic freezes we encounter. However, several large individuals still persist in our area, having survived (albeit with significant freeze-related trunk damage) even the 1989 freeze. It is commonly available in nurseries that specialize in palms, and occasionally in larger nurseries and garden centers.




6. Sabal etonia, or Scrub Palmetto, occurs only in central and southeastern Florida growing mainly along the area known as the central Florida ridge. The native habitat generally consists of sandy soils in relatively open oak and pine scrub communities. It is characterized as a trunkless (or very short trunked) palm with strongly costapalmate, yellowish-green leaves. Distinguishing features of this palm over the other native Sabals is the numerous threads that are present on the leaves where the leaflet divisions exist and the erect, bushy inflorescence that is shorter than the leaves. Although commonly found in its native habitat (currently wildlife refuges), it is generally uncommon in many gardens, probably because of its ubiquitous presence in central Florida. In gardens, this palm is very adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, and is obviously well-suited for the central Florida garden. It is very uncommon to find this palm except for the occasional nursery that specializes in palms or at palm society sales.




7. Sabal miamiensis or Miami palmetto's habitat is southeastern Florida, and as one might expect in the vicinity of Miami. It currently is considered extinct or close to extinct in habitat due to urbanization of this region of the state. It has similar characteristics to Sabal etonia, and the distinguishing feature being the inflorescence that is as long as or taller than the leaves and branched to three orders (compared to a shorter, bushy inflorescence in S. etonia). This species appears to be very uncommon not only in habitat, but also central Florida gardens. It is assumed that the growing requirements for S. miamiensis would be very similar to that of S. etonia. It is also likely that finding a plant or seeds of this palm would be through on of the palm societies.


8. Sabal minor, also known as Dwarf Palmetto, is native to the southeastern United States from southern Oklahoma and Texas in the west to North Carolina in the east. In habitat, it is commonly found in wetter areas such as floodplains and swamps as generally an understory palm. It is similar to S. etonia in that it is a trunkless palm (sometimes a short trunk), but it differs in that it has a long, arching inflorescence (longer than the leaves), and the leaves are weakly costapalmate. Because it is generally an understory palm, it can endure much shadier conditions than S. etonia, and the dark greenish-blue leaves add for an interesting look in the shadier parts of the garden. Like the smaller Florida natives, S. minor fills a necessary niche in central Florida gardens because it fits well underneath and in between other larger palms. It is very cold hardy and as such is represented in many central Florida gardens. Although very common in habitat, it is generally not available except in nurseries that specialize in palms.



9. Sabal palmetto or Cabbage Palm occurs naturally in the southeastern United States, and is very common in all of central Florida. It is extremely adaptable to many growing conditions, however if grown in shade it may not form a trunk until significant light is allowed through the canopy. Sabal palmetto is the state "tree" for both Florida and South Carolina (and is even depicted on the S. Carolina state auto tag). A very tough and sturdy palm, it is often removed from habitat for landscaping projects and is commonly seen in housing developments or as municipal plantings. It is characterized as a small to medium sized tree palm with strongly costapalmate leaves. Leaf bases tend to remain attached in younger, trunked specimens, while older palms are devoid of the "boots". Young plants can be mistaken for other trunkless Sabal species (S. etonia and S. minor) native to Florida, however S. palmetto generally won't flower until some trunk development has occurred. Unfortunately, this common palm is often mistreated by pruning to within inches of their lives, a practice that is not only harmful to the palm's overall health, but equally unsightly to the palm lover in all of us. Because of the relative abundance of this palm, and to a lesser extent, its slow growth, it is not commonly encountered in nurseries or at palm society functions. Many people have this palm as a consequence of "volunteering" of seedlings resulting from bird droppings.



10. Serenoa repens or Saw Palmetto is native to the southeastern United States and is sometimes mistaken for young Sabal spp. The distinguishing features of this palm are fine teeth along the margin of the leaf petioles, non-costapalmate leaf, and the characteristic clumping nature of the palm. This palm is generally not considered a large palm, because of its reclining trunks, but some individual stems can attain some considerable height. This cold hardy native occurs in a wide range of conditions, but is mainly encountered in sandy, exposed areas. The fruits of this species are quite large compared to all other Florida natives (about an inch in length) and the fruits are used in a number of kidney and prostate medicines. Like Sabal palmetto, Serenoa repens is widely common in all of central Florida, and is often treated as a weed. Two forms of this palm are recognized based on leaf color, one being the green and the other being the more sought-after silver form. This palm is sometimes found in nurseries that specialize in palms and occasionally at palm society meetings.



11. Thrinax morrisii or Keys Thatch Palm is native to the lower Florida Keys and many other Caribbean islands. It is characterized as a small to medium sized palm that has palmate leaves that are shiny, light green above and silver underneath. Similar to Coccothrinax argentata in description and habitat, T. morrisii can be distinguished by having split leaf bases and small, white fruit (Coccothrinax has dark purple fruit and non-split leaf bases). Intergeneric hybrids have been reported between T. morrisii and C. argentata which have intermediate morphology to the suspected parents. T. morrisii is well suited for exposed garden situations and is very salt tolerant. Adding to its carefree lifestyle, T. morrisii has been successfully grown in many central Florida gardens, testing the cold hardiness and adaptability of this species. Up until recently, there have been a number of large specimens of this species at the campus of Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne. Unfortunately, some of them have been removed for unknown reasons. The unexpected success of this palm for central Florida encourages further trials to explore the northern limits of this species. This palm is generally available in nurseries that specialize in palms as well as palm society sales.



12. Thrinax radiata or Florida Thatch Palm occurs in the upper Florida Keys and many Caribbean locales. It is characterized as having palmate leaves that are bright green on both sides. Like its cousin, T. morrisii, Florida Thatch Palm has distinctive split leaf bases and small, white fruit. Unfortunately, unlike its cousin, it is not as hardy to cold, but it is quite carefree and adaptable to many growing conditions, including considerable salt exposure. Because it is not a large palm, it could be tried in areas of protection in some of the colder locations in central Florida. It is relatively common to encounter this species in gardens to our south, and many central Floridians are attempting to grow it. It is generally available at reasonable cost in nurseries that specialize in palms and palm society sales.



Although all palms native to Florida are generally available either at nurseries that specialize in palms, or through the palm society sales and seedbank, many central Florida gardens seem to overlook these wonderful palms for their gardens. Perhaps it is due to the ubiquitous nature of some of these palms that leads some to consider them contemptuous. In some cases, people have tried and failed with some natives due to pushing the range of cold hardiness, soil suitability, or light requirements. It is hoped that more people will seek out and attempt to grow these palms in their gardens because they can add unique ornamental features not easily gained with other exotic species.