 |
 Sabal palmetto |
|
|
|
Sabal palmetto |
|
|
There are at least 20 species of palms/palmettos that belong to this genus. Some will grow to at least 80 ft. in the ideal tropical climates of their homelands. Many species will develop a smooth trunk as they mature; other species develop no trunk above ground at all as seen in the second photo. Sabal minor is one species that produces no stem or trunk and only grows to about 4 ft. in height. In the wild, this species grows in filtered light, but will require much light if raised indoors in northern climates. Young Sabals of many species look very much alike. As they mature they begin to take on the characteristics that make them more identifiable.
The species most favored for cultivation is our offering of the Sabal palmetto, sometimes referred to as cabbage palmetto, or cabbage palm. This name comes not from any similarity in appearance to cabbage but from the fact that the terminal bud can be boiled like a cabbage, and eaten, or can be processed as hearts of palm. Removal of the terminal bud will, however, kill the palm. In the wild it frequently grows from 25 to 50 ft. but is rarely seen up to 80 ft. The trunks grow tall as the plant matures and can attain a diameter of 12 to 18 inches, while the fan-shaped leaves can span 6 to 8 ft. across. It can grow in poor sandy soil and is used in Landscaping throughout Florida and along the southern Atlantic and gulf coast regions. It can be container grown indoors during winter months from zone 8 and farther north, but it must have a lot of bright light and temperatures between 60°F. at night and 75°F. during the days. It will thrive outdoors anywhere during the summer months when the temperatures are likely to remain between 65°F and 100°F.
Both specimens shown above were photographed at Avery Island, Louisiana, September, 1998.
© 1998 Michael King
 Money Order, or Credit Card |