Sabal etonia - Scrub Palmetto

The Sabal etonia is very similar to the Sabal minor with which it shares the common name of dwarf palmetto. This species grows under pine trees in the dry sands of Florida and is also one of the hardiest (-12°C (10.4°F) minimum). It is a bushy palm tree that develops a very short trunk, mostly buried, and bears stiff, fan-shaped leaves. It differs from the Sabal minor by having lighter foliage with numerous filaments, and shorter inflorescences. Less demanding than the Sabal minor in terms of soil, this palm tree tolerates poor and relatively dry soils. It is an excellent choice for ornamental purposes in a small garden, terrace, or balcony, in an exotic or contemporary setting.

The Sabal etonia belongs to the family of Arecaceae, and is native to the scrublands of central and southeastern Florida. This palm tree will not exceed 3m (10ft) in height with a 2m (7ft) spread, and it has a very slow growth rate. It develops a solitary, underground false trunk (stipe), sometimes emerging up to 2m (7ft) from the ground. Its diameter can reach 20cm (8in). It is grey in colour and bears characteristic geometric patterns that resemble coarse braiding. These reticulated ornaments are the remains of the old dried petioles. The foliage is arranged in a terminal crown at the top of the trunk. The crown consists of 5 to 10 palmate leaves arranged in a fan shape around a central axis. In the Sabal etonia, each leaf, over 1m (3ft) wide, is yellowish-green in colour. It is deeply divided into 20 to 60 rigid segments with bifid tips, adorned with filaments along the edges, and carried by a robust, smooth petiole that can reach a length of 1m (3ft).

This small palm tree is capable of flowering at the age of 10, in the form of highly branched, light and fragrant panicles that rarely protrude from the foliage. The inflorescences are laden with bisexual flowers that are perfectly capable of forming fruits. They emerge every summer, between the large leaves, bearing a large quantity of small whitish, fragrant, and nectar-producing flowers, which, in favourable climates, will give rise to black fruits, each containing a shiny brown, pear-shaped seed measuring 9 to 13mm (1in) in length.

This dwarf palm tree, along with its cousin Sabal minor, Chamaerops humilis, and Trachycarpus fortunei, is one of the easiest to acclimatize. When planted in the ground, it should be placed in isolation, near a swimming pool for example, in the company of banana trees, cannas, or yuccas, in an exotic-inspired setting. However, this very adaptable plant will be particularly valuable for improving pine undergrowth in a seaside garden. A little challenging to pair due to its strong personality, it can nonetheless be planted in groups of 3 and surrounded by a carpet of Epimedium, Geranium macrorrhizum, or Soleirolia soleirolii. A contemporary garden can adopt it above a tide of white pebbles. It will make a magnificent specimen on a terrace or balcony, planted in a carefully chosen large container, among pots of bamboo, for example.