Brahea aculeata

In Xeriscape, The Huntington.

Brahea (BRAH-yah)
aculeata (ah-kew-leh-AH-tah)

Seed

Scientific Classification

Genus:	Brahea (BRAH-yah)
Species:	aculeata (ah-kew-leh-AH-tah)

Synonyms

None set.

Native Continent

America

Morphology

Habit:	Solitary
Leaf type:	Costapalmate

Culture

Survivability index

Common names

Sinaloa Hesper Palm, Aculeata Fan Palm.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, (Sonora, Sinaloa, Durango) in the southern part of Sonora Desert on very dry, stony soils.

Description

Brahea aculeata is a small tree between 6 and 29 feet tall (2-9 m), with serrated leaf stalks attaching to the trunk. It grows in the higher elevation TDF in the Río Mayo region. Habitat: Western Mexico. Leaf type: Costapalmate, Yellowish green. 30 to 40 leaflets. Leaf split to 2/3 of its ., sharp distantly spaced thorns. Trunk: closely ringed trunk, 8 inches in diameter (20 cm). Flower: small, white, bisexual. Flower stalk coming from between the leaves, shorter than the leaves. 2. 6, 3 carpels stamens. Fruit: black. 0.75 to 1 inch in diameter (2-2.5 cm). roundish. Editing by edric.

Culture

Requirements: Min. Temperature: Approx. 23°F (-5°C) Requirements: Water sparingly, Full sun, very well drained position; drought and frost tolerant. Slow growing, but a good plant for desert gardens, and warm temperate climates. Rarely seen in cultivation.

Comments and Curiosities

Etymology: This genus was named after Tycho Brahe, a Danish astronomer.

Uses: Residents within its range have long used the durable, pliable fronds of this fan palm for rope-making, basketry, and roof thatching. As a roofing material they provide superb protection from heat and are quiet during heavy rains. Roofs last about twenty five years.

External Links

References

Phonetic spelling of Latin names by edric.

Special thanks to Geoff Stein, (Palmbob) for his hundreds of photos, edric.

Special thanks to palmweb.org, Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. Bill Baker & team, for their volumes of information and photos, edric.

IMAGE GALLERY
Younger Plant, Huntington
Seed
Trunk Detail
Trunk
Fairchild FL
Photo by Fred, edric.
Photo by Colin wilson, edric.
Photo by Colin wilson, edric.
Photo by Fred, edric.
Photo by Fred, edric.
Huntington Botanical Gardens, Los Angeles California, photo by Paul Craft, edric.