Sabal palmetto - Cabbage Palm

Sabal palmetto, known as the Cabbage Palm, is a large palm tree emblematic of the marshy coasts of the Bahamas, Cuba, and the southeastern United States. It is a palm tree of the sun, heat, and shores. It stands with a majestic silhouette, composed of a trunk adorned with unique geometric patterns, carrying a crown of large, arched and frayed fronds. Although it's hardy to -10° C (14° F), or even beyond for mature subjects, it prefers warmth and heat, but requires freshness at its base. In cooler climates, it would suit a heated conservatory. 

Sabal Palmetto belongs to the family of Arecaceae. It is native to Central America and the southeastern United States. Abundantly planted in Florida and South Carolina, it lines the main avenues and spontaneously forms large colonies grouping several thousand individuals along watercourses. This palm tree, which can eventually reach a height of 10 m to 12 m (32.8 ft to 39.4 ft), is carried by a single false trunk (stipe). This straight trunk is thickened at the base, grey in colour and woven in appearance, and can sometimes reach 25 cm (9.8 in) in diameter. The reticulated patterns on the trunk, characteristic of this species, are the remnants of the old dried petioles. The foliage is arranged in a terminal crown at the end of the stipe, and can eventually span 3 m to 4 m (9.8 ft to 13.1 ft). The crown is composed of 15 to 30 costapalmate leaves, meaning palmate leaves arranged in a fan around a central axis. Each leaf has a beautiful green-blue colour on the upper side and a more glaucous colour on the underside. It is divided into 60 to 90 rigid, erect segments, as if cut at the base on one-third of their length, and carried by a very robust petiole, reaching 2 m (6.6 ft) in length.

The flowering, which occurs on mature individuals, is composed of bisexual flowers, perfectly capable of forming fruits. The inflorescence is arched and emerges between the large leaves every year in summer. It can measure 2 m (6.6 ft) in length. It bears a large quantity of small whitish, fragrant, and honey-producing flowers, which will give birth, in favourable climates, to round, brown-coloured fruits, each containing a black, pear-shaped seed measuring about 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter. This fresh seed will germinate after 5 to 6 months.

Highly appreciated as a specimen to be planted in isolation in seaside gardens, the Cabbage Palm is one of the most majestic palm species, along with the Jubaea chilensis and the Phoenix canariensis. Its hardiness depends a lot on soil drainage and ambient humidity. Irreplaceable and prestigious in mild climates, it can also be cultivated elsewhere in a large container, which can be stored during winter in a cool, bright, and airy room. Plant near an entrance, or on either side of a gate for a stunning welcome. Alternatively, plant in isolation as a specimen. 

The honey from the flowers of this palm tree is marketed under the name 'Sabal palmetto'.