Difference between revisions of "Sabal mauritiiformis"

"Sabal mauritiiformis is probably the fastest-growing of the 20 or so species of Sabal. Native from northern South America to southern Mexico, this palm produces fairly large, deeply-split circular leaves — reminiscent of those of Licuala — even before the trunk develops. And the undersides of the leaves are mildly silvery. Eventually this palm will reach 30-60 ft. tall, with a trunk about a foot in diameter." (Lenny Goldstein)

"Like the more common Sabals, S. mauritiiformis features a criss-cross pattern of old leaf bases on the trunk, but what is special about it is that the leaf bases remain green for a long time. In the nursery, we are growing this palm in two sites. In one place, we’re raising “twins,” and in the other location we have the single specimen shown in the photos above, and we look forward to many years of good looks and bountiful seed production. The good news for those who want a plant right now is that we have available newly-potted seedlings of Sabal mauritiiformis obtained from an outside seed source.” (Lenny Goldstein)

"This palm would make a striking addition to your collection, and it is cold-hardy into the upper 20s. Versatile as well, it can be planted in full sun or partial shade." (Lenny Goldstein)

"Great palm for Southern California, though seems to do better inland than near the coast. Loves heat! Is one of the faster growing Sabals (here in So Cal where most are pretty slow - in Florida might be more average). The leaves of this species are more split than most, and highly ornamental. Some of the slower, shaded specimens develop huge, deeply split bright green leaves that look more like an exotic Licuala species than a Sabal. As it forms a trunk, the greenish color of the trunk stays longer, also making it very ornamental. Older palms in humid rainy climates tend to lose the leaf bases, or 'boots' and have smooth, pale to olive-green, ringed trunks. Often confused with Sabal yapa, which has a similar leaf shape.. but the leaves of S. yapa have a bluish cast underneath, and the palm is sometimes a beafier palm, while S mauritiiformis has a relatively skinny trunk for a Sabal. However, I still am at a loss to tell them apart most of the time. It's one of the least cold tolerant Sabals, though, and mine has gotten leaf damage almost every year below 29 F." (Geoff Stein)

This palm is so named not because it comes from Mauritius, but because of its resemblance to Mauritia! We have described this latter palm as looking like an exploding firework, and this Sabal is not too far from that. Deeply split, large, fan-shaped leaves with narrow segments hanging down makes it unique in the genus and a real collector's item. Easy germination, easy care, fast growth, and spectacular appearance. It has a patchy distribution in Mexico, Central America, and the north of South America. (RPS.com)

Feast your eyes on this one, Sabal Mauritiiformis is by far the most tropical looking Sabal and unfortunately, it's also the least hardy. Reports are coming in that it gets frost damage anywhere between 25 F and 28 F in fully exposed areas, but with overhead protection, it can take down to maybe 24F for short times without any damage. It's also quite shade tolerant, and it's fast growing. However, it likes heat, and will be a slow grower in cooler Summer areas. In Northern California this is a good palm for sunset zone 16 and may grow in frost protected locations in zone 15. Growth may be more limited in zone 17, especially in those parts where there is no Summer heat at all. If your July average isn't above 68 F, then it's not worth it to try this one. I got interested in Sabal Mauritiiformis when I saw one growing in Southern California, so it does grow in California, slowly but steadily. I have yet to locate a specimen in Northern California. The closest specimen I found is in Ventura, an area with comparable cool temperatures to our own. This is what you can expect in full sun. I suspect shade grown specimens would look better here. (Dr. Axel Kratel)