Brahea edulis - Guadalupe Palm

The Mexican Palm, Brahea edulis in Latin, is a botanically close species to Brahea armata but with green palm leaves. It is undoubtedly one of the hardiest and largest palms, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -10/-12°C (14/10.4°F), or even lower if the soil remains dry in winter. It is appreciated for its presence, as well as its ease of cultivation in our ordinary soils, which are often richer in organic matter. It may take a long time to be able to admire its spectacular inflorescences, followed by edible fruits, but a young specimen will already make a big impact in a large rock garden or in the center of an exotic bed. It is native to the arid areas of Mexico where it has become rare, but it may find refuge in your garden. Provide it with well-drained soil, even dry, a sheltered or even arid exposure, and plenty of sun!

Brahea edulis (synonym Erythea edulis) belongs to the family of Arecaceae. It is also known as the Guadalupe Palm, named after the island located 250 km (155.3mi) off the coast of Baja California, on the West coast of Mexico. There, it is naturally found anchored on rocky slopes and cliffs, surrounded by desert vegetation, up to 1000 meters (3281 feet) above sea level. The goats introduced in 1830, which devastated the local flora, are responsible for the rarity of this botanical species, which is now endangered. This palm, which grows relatively slowly during its first 10 years, then develops more rapidly. It can reach a height of 10 to 12 meters (33 to 39 feet), more or less quickly depending on the growing conditions. It develops a single, thick false trunk (stipe), sometimes reaching a diameter of 40 cm (16in), with gray colour, bearing the remains of dried old leaves. These dry leaves form a kind of gray 'skirt', just like in Washingtonia palms. Its foliage, arranged in a terminal crown, will not exceed 3 meters (10 feet) in width. The stipe, widened at the base, gives rise to 20-30 slightly costapalmate leaves, which means palmate leaves arranged in a fan shape around a central axis. Each leaf, 90 cm (35in) to 1.20 m (4ft) wide, displays a beautiful bright green colour on the upper side. The lower side is slightly glaucous. It is divided into 40 to 60 rigid segments and carried by a green petiole reaching 1 to 1.50 meters (3 to 5 feet) in length, covered with whitish down on the upper side, sometimes bordered by small light brown teeth.

Flowering occurs on specimens over 20 years old. It only occurs outdoors, in summer, in warm climates, in the form of long arched inflorescences nestled in the crown of leaves. The flowers, very numerous, are white to ivory in color and are followed by the formation of countless small round fruits, 3 cm (1in) in diameter, brown and shiny, each containing a smooth and shiny brown to almost black seed. These fresh seeds often germinate 4 to 8 months after sowing.

Highly appreciated as a coastal and mild climate street tree, especially in dry and hot areas, the Mexican Palm is one of the most commonly cultivated ornamental palm species, along with Washingtonia robusta and filifera and Phoenix canariensis worldwide, even in our latitudes. Irreplaceable and prestigious in mild climates, it can also be cultivated elsewhere in a large container, which can be stored in a cool, bright, and well-ventilated room during winter. Planted near an entrance or on either side of a gate, or as a standalone near a swimming pool, it will be magnificent. Like Eucalyptus and tall mimosas, in the background of a bed, it forms a typical backdrop for gardens bordering the Mediterranean or the Atlantic coast in the south of France. Enthusiasts of graphic plants can plant Nolina siberica, Agave ovatifolia, Dasylirion wheeleri, Yucca rigida, and other spectacular succulent plants that are well adapted to arid conditions, alongside it.