The Exotic Palm Tree

Think of an exotic plant or tree and what might spring to mind? For me, it has to be one of the palm trees.

There is even an International Palm Society with members in over 80 countries, providing information on all aspects of growing palms.

                                                  

Many consider the Butia capitata as one of the most beautiful palms in the world. It originated in Brazil and Uruguay. It is also known as the Jelly Palm because of it edible red berries which can be harvested and made into a variety of sweets, jams & jellies.

The Jelly palm grows to around 5 meters tall, with a spread of 4 meters. Ideal soil type is clay/heavy, acidic, chalky/alkaline, moist.

                                                     
Another wonderful palm is the Mexican blue fan palm. It has a stiff, blue-green fan-shaped leaf radiating in a crown from the apex of the trunk. The flower seed spikes extend out in beautiful light-yellow arches. A mature tree grows to a height of about 12 meters.

                                                     

One of the larger of the palm trees is the Bismarckia nobilis palm. Bismarckia nobilis is native to the island of Madagascar which is off the east coast of Africa. It is a purplish-blue color, and is quite rare. This palm may reach an ultimate height of 18m with a spread of 6m or more. Each of its fronds weighs about 9kg. Because it is drought tolerant and not as subject to disease as some other palm species it is becoming very popular. Obviously, due to its size, it is best planted where there is plenty of space, not in a small yard.

The Caryota, or fishtail palm, comes from the mountainous regions of northern India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Their leaflets are jagged at the distal end, reminding one of a fishes tail. They can grow to over 25 meters tall. Be careful of the seeds of the Caryota, as the fruit has irritating crystals which can cause much discomfort.

The Burretiokentia hapala palm comes from New Caledonia, in the South Pacific. It is a relatively fast growing palm. Then there`s the Pritchardia hildebrandii, or the loulu palm, from Hawaii, with its yellow-green fan-shaped leaves. It loves the sun and can be termed as very exotic.

                                
                                              

One palm not to get too close to is the Trithrinax acanthocoma, or the spiny fiber palm. It has hairy needle-shaped spines on the trunk. Grows to around 6 meters tall. Thick, stiff, erect, dark green fan-shaped leaves, and a trunk with an incredibly intricate pattern of leaf bases, it is a stunning sight. It can be considered rather hardy, and certainly grows well and thrives, even in some gardens in the south of the UK. It needs rich, moist soil and plenty of water in dry weather, it does best in full sun, but can also accommodate cooler temperatures.

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