FLORIDA'S STATE TREECan any other tree match the palm in usefulness ? From it comes food, seeds, medicine and construction materials. It's also hard to match it for durability and beauty and is a favorite of the Florida landscaper.
With it's fibrous trunk it is about as hurricane-proof as trees get. It can withstand drought, urban conditions of compacted soil, pollution, space, and poor drainage .
A true native of Florida's swampy coastal regions the early pioneers harvested the heart bud of the Sabal Palmetto and ate it like cabbage, thus it's name.
The Seminoles used the trunks to build their homes and the fronds as a roof. It's green fruits are favorites of squirrel and racoons. And to top off all its wonderful attributes, it produces a beautiful 4-5 ' creamy white showy flower. What more can you ask of a tree?
With it's fibrous trunk it is about as hurricane-proof as trees get. It can withstand drought, urban conditions of compacted soil, pollution, space, and poor drainage .
A true native of Florida's swampy coastal regions the early pioneers harvested the heart bud of the Sabal Palmetto and ate it like cabbage, thus it's name.
The Seminoles used the trunks to build their homes and the fronds as a roof. It's green fruits are favorites of squirrel and racoons. And to top off all its wonderful attributes, it produces a beautiful 4-5 ' creamy white showy flower. What more can you ask of a tree?
When I read your title, I sure didn't expect it to be this tree! Really interesting, Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kylee. I was amazed at learning this as well.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your posts about trees in Florida! I wonder how that giant flower smells?
ReplyDeleteMe too, Muum. Too high up to shimmy up there and tell. Thanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteI never realized how many gifts were offered by the palms. Great informative post!
ReplyDeleteFrances at Faire Garden
Hurricane proof they may be, but nearly all the ones I saw were supported by a tripod of 2x4s. At the more posh places, the supports were painted green.
ReplyDeleteHey MMD,
ReplyDeleteAre you over that cold yet? Hope so.
Yes, I saw some of those , too. They support some of the younger palms with the tripods I'm told until they reach a certain thickness of the trunk.
Thanks, Frances. I wasn't aware either until I started reading up on them.
ReplyDeleteI'm way behind on reading blogs. Are you STILL down in Florida? Ain't you gotten over that allergy to winter yet? Come on back to the midwest, the weather is nice.
ReplyDeleteCarol, May Dreams Gardens
Carol, are you telling me the truth-the weather is nice? Okay,I'll be moseying on along at turtle speed to get back there by the beginning of March or shortly after.
ReplyDeleteMy allergies are under control as long as I'm in this Florida sunshine.
Hurry, Spring !
Sounds like you are teaching as you learn. I use to be a teacher, not English--and the best way to learn something is to teach it first--lol. I was amazed at how many uses this tree has. Wonder if the fruit really taste like cabbage?
ReplyDeleteHi Anna,
ReplyDeleteEver taste hearts of palm ? You can buy them in cans. They're delicious but don't taste like cabbage to me.
Carolyn Gail... "Nice" is a matter of interpretation, and remember I am a good four hours south of Chicago so I can't really judge their weather from this far. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteCarol, May Dreams Gardens
Thanks a lot , Carol. I did notice you stressed nice with italics. Four hours south of Chicago could be an entirely different zone.
ReplyDeleteI love this post as I am a Palm nut to say. We make a sort of soup called swamp cabbage from the heart of the cabbage palm. Absolutely delicious!!
ReplyDelete