Palms For California

Pronunciation: suh-BALL/SAY-bull burr-mew-DAH-nuh

Common Name: Bermuda Palm

Sabal bermudana is one of the largest of the Sabals, and an impressive garden/park specimen plant when well grown and watered. Somewhat variable, and there is a wide variation in palms identified as this in botanical gardens around California- some may be incorrectly identified. This palm seems to grow as well if not better than its native Bermuda island- getting a bit taller and growing a bit faster.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 30-40 fan leaves Height: 25' (note, this is taller than it gets in habitat) Trunk: single; 12"-18"; clean if no leaf trimming, but can be covered entire length with split leaf bases if leaves trimmed off Crownshaft: none Spread: 12'-14' Leaf Description: strongly costapalmate; 10' long; deep green; thick and leathery; leaflets drooping; leaves split 1/3-1/2 their length; blades about 5'-6' long Petiole/Leaf bases: 5'-6' long; arching a bit; very sharp edges; moderately channeled; bases split and often retained along entire length of trunk if leaves trimmed, but otherwise fall of trunk Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 3'-4' long; from within lower crown of leaves; branched, arching downwards but mostly horizontal in orientation Fruit: spherical and black when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 20F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: good Wind Tolerance: moderate to poor (if arid winds) Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: widely adaptable Light Requirement: full to partial sun Human Hazards: sharp petiolar blades Disease or Horticultural Problems: mild tendency for potassium deficiency in California Transplants?: may be poor Indoor?: unlikely would do well Availability: rare but often available at palm specialty nurseries