How does palm trees grow
Palmistry — Our City Forest
Hello Internet! I’m writing again for all of you curious tree people after the holidays. When last I left, you were in your living rooms examining your Christmas/non-denominational holiday trees as a guide for how tree anatomy works. Toward the end I pulled the rug out from under our tropical and sub-tropical readers when I revealed that palms aren’t actually true trees at all.
Palm trees are pretty sneaky. They have a number of tree-like characteristics. They’re tall and have a main stem resembling a trunk. The stem is woody and tough. Put enough palms together and you can have lovely palm forests. If you look down at the roots or take a close look at a palm’s leaf-like fronds or cut at a palm with a sharp object you’ll notice some distinct differences.
Look up at a palm tree and you’ll see that the growth isn’t like other trees. The canopy of the palm is restricted to the crown of frond leaves surrounding the apical meristem. Lateral growth and meristems don’t emerge. If a second apical meristem emerges it leads another trunk with another crown of fronds. This gives palms a distinctive, paint-brush shape. The single growing, meristem is surrounded by overlapping leaf bases.
Think back to the previous article where I told you to risk certain poking at the needles of your Christmas tree to reveal the green, cambium layer under the bark. If you did this with a palm tree you wouldn’t find a green layer. Palm trees do not produce cambium. In fact, palms are incapable of the ring-shaped secondary growth seen in other trees. Cut a palm tree down and you’ll see tiny circular vessels distributed evenly throughout the trunk. These are vascular tissues, xylem and phloem. Stem cells lining these vessels produce “anomalous secondary growth” to thicken young trunks but once the trunk reaches its maximum diameter this no longer occurs. This keeps palm trunks narrow and stiff, perfect for supporting their frond crowns.
The drawback is that injuries to palm tree trunks can never heal.
Without a cambium to direct closure over a wound, fungi, insects and other pests can easily penetrate wounded trees. The “bark” of the palm tree is not bark at all; it is made of “sclerified” (hardened) cells left over from the bases of previously shed fronds. This makes a palm not unlike a column of reinforced concrete with the vessels acting as rebar.
Palm leaves are also different. They emerge as primary growth from the meristem. The youngest leaves are at the top of the leaf crown. As the palm grows taller and older more leaves are added to the top and older leaves grow larger until they hit their maximum size. When the leaves reach the base of the crown they are cut off from the vascular system, “abscising” their bases into new bark. Some palms don’t drop their leaves cleanly, resulting in “skirts” of dead leaves that dangle below the crown. Growing like this means that you can predict which leaves will drop from a palm tree, prune them, and collect them before they fall.
The beautiful strangeness of palms can be traced back to the way palm seedlings grow.
When a palm first starts growing it doesn’t have a full set of leaves. Roots grow out from the tiny, seedling trunk. Each root adds new vascular bundles, widening the trunk and providing more vascular tissue to support leaves. These roots form a shallow, fibrous network, not unlike the roots of grasses, onions and bamboo.
Unlike other trees which grow the root system and the shoot system at the same rate, a palm tree rapidly expands the root system so that it can expand its trunk and begin to grow upward. In essence, a palm tree grows in the same way that you might build a house. It establishes the foundation and then builds the upper stories.
This video contains: King palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) - 16/03/2012 Natural vaporization of water - 05/07/2012 Pine nut (Araucaria angustifolia) - 08/09/2012 Avocado seed (Persea americana) - 09/11/2012 (2nd attempt) King palm from seed (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) - 23/12/2012 Speed rate: 1296000x Frame rate: 15 FPS Start at 16/03/2012 Total 815 frames (1 frame/day)
Why are palms this weird? As it turns out, palm trees belong to a family of group of plants called monocots.
Monocots are one of the eight main groups of plants within the angiosperms, the flowering plants. In an earlier blog post I briefly mentioned that angiosperms began to dominate the earth’s plant species at the end of the age of the dinosaurs, replacing conifers as the largest plant group. Monocots are the second largest group by species, containing 70,000 members including grasses, orchids and palms. The largest group, eudicot, contains 175,000 species including oaks, apples, maples, sunflowers and nightshades. Most “true” trees are eudicots, the rest are conifers ( ie: pines and their cousins).
Palm trees are preserved in some of the earliest flowering plant fossils that we have discovered. Palm trees emerged 94 million years ago when dinosaurs walked the earth. Some species, such as Nypa fruticans and Acrocomia aculeata have been identified in fossil pollen, making the modern species living fossils. This means that palm trees diverged early from other monocot species.
Their global spread can be attributed to the breakup of the continent of Gondwana into Africa, South America, Antarctica, India and Australia. The distinctive strangeness of palm trees is tied up in their early divergence from other flowering plants and their rapid (by the standards of geologic time) spread over newly formed continents. Hopefully the next time you pass a palm tree you give it a nod to honor its pioneering, almost-grassy heritage.
If you like these posts please consider donating to Our City Forest or volunteering. We're always in need of Tree Amigos, Tree Stewards and Volunteers. As always thank you for supporting Our City Forest.
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Everything You Wanted to Know – FastGrowingTrees.com
What are the Different Types of Palm Trees?There are countless different types of palm trees that you'll encounter throughout the United States.
However, the most popular types are Areca Palm, Date Palm, Sago Palm, Ponytail Palm, Majesty Palm, Queen Palm, and the Coconut Palm.
Within these seven kinds of palm trees, there are plants of varying aesthetics that are perfect for indoor or outdoor growing, and for all different preferences and requirements. Some grow taller, some have smaller leaves, there are a number of differences that set palm trees apart that we'll cover below.
What are the Characteristics of Palm Trees?There are thousands of species of palm trees around the world, the majority of which share similar characteristics. The most easily identifiable feature of a palm tree is the large, evergreen leaves. It should be noted, however, that there's an incredible amount of diversity in the appearance of palm trees and you may have spotted plants before that you've liked and had no idea they were palm trees.
Which Palm Trees Grow Coconuts?The Coconut Palm Tree, which just so happens to be the most grown palm tree in the world, is the only species to produce coconuts.
Unfortunately, if you're anywhere in the United States that isn't the tropical region of Florida, you'll be unable to grow Coconut Palms yourself.
Arguably the most common fruit that grows on palm trees is coconuts. But did you know, palm trees also provide a number of other delicious fruits? With the right species, you can enjoy dates, peaches, and even acai. It should be noted that in most situations palm trees won't live long enough to flower and produce fruit if you keep them indoors. You should really only expect fruit if you're planting your palm trees outside.
Where Can Palm Trees Grow?Thankfully, due to the sheer number of palm tree species, you can find trees that will grow practically anywhere, no matter what growing zone you’re in. From Alaska to Florida, and everywhere in between, you'll find a species of palm tree that will flourish indoors or outdoors.
Can Palm Trees Survive the Cold?There are a number of species of palm trees that are hardy enough to survive the cold weather.
This may be surprising to hear, as palm trees are often viewed as exotic, tropical plants. The Queen Palm and the Date Palm are two of the hardiest palm trees that you can grow, so if you live in a cold area, getting one of these species may be the best option for you.
While the best type of palm tree to grow indoors really depends on how much space you have, there are a few species that are more contained and require less skill and effort to grow inside. The Areca Palm Tree is the most common choice for indoor palm trees as it's vibrant, easy to grow, and doesn't reach unmanageable sizes indoors.
The Majesty Palm Tree is another good choice as it can tolerate long periods in the shade and is a slow grower - so there's no pressure to give it tons of sunlight.
For people looking for smaller palm trees to grow indoors, the Sago Palm Tree is renowned for its feathery foliage and ease of care.
When Should Palm Trees be Trimmed?Palm trees are pretty good at keeping themselves under control and shedding dead and dying leaves when necessary.
However, some species, such as the Queen Palm Tree, can be trimmed to speed up the process. When you do decide to trim the dying leaves, it's vital to ensure that you don't cut back your palms too much as this can stress out the plant.
A Coconut Palm, grown outdoors in the right climate, can live for up to 90 years - meaning generations to come will get to enjoy its fruit and tropical vibes. Smaller palm trees, such as the Ponytail Palm, can survive indoors with minimum attention for decades.
What are Palm Trees Used For?The main reason you're likely to see a palm tree is purely for decorative purposes. However, certain kinds of palm trees can purify the air in your home. The Areca Palm Tree has been proven to be the most effective way of purifying air without the need for a humidifier. A palm tree can help keep the air in your home moist as well as remove harmful toxins.
Still not sure which Palm Tree is best for you? Explore the wide variety of Palm Trees we offer to find exactly what you’re looking for!
Blair Brown
Blair is the Content Marketing Manager at FastGrowingTrees.
com, and though she's not your traditional gardener, the planting world is definitely growing on her (pun intended!). She's enjoyed digging into plant care and maintenance and growing her plant collection, especially with exotic indoor varieties.
7 Fast Growing Palm Trees for Your Garden
Image - Wikimedia / iMahesh
Who doesn't want a tall palm tree in their garden in no time? Well, I'm not going to deceive you: the truth is that this is exactly what many want, since one of the beliefs that usually brings people back when buying a copy is that roots can break pipes and floors. But the only thing they are able to lift is the earth and possibly the rough pavement.
Now if you want to buy it and you are one of those who wonder which palm trees grow fast then we will name them.
Although I know it's not difficult, the types of fast growing palms are not always known, and this is very important if you want to have a garden or patio with plants of a certain size.
Many of them are of very high decorative value when young, but most, if not all, become more beautiful with age.
So, which ones are of interest to us? Here is the list: is the largest member of the Archontophoenix genus, since can measure up to 30 meters in height (others, like Archontophoenix Alexandra or Archontophoenix Canningamiana , they keep at 20-25 meters). Despite its height, its trunk always remains thin, its thickness is only 30 centimeters. The leaves are pinnate, up to 5 meters long.
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From experience I can say that this is a pearl plant, with fast growth (about 40 centimeters / year) , and also that it is not difficult for him to adapt to the sun if he gradually gets used to it. Of course, it needs frequent watering. It maintains temperatures down to -2ºC, possibly down to -3ºC if protected.
Coconut Komarova
El coconut tree is primarily a tropical palm tree.
This is one of the few who can live on the beaches without any damage. Reaches a height of 10 to 20 meters. , and its trunk does not thicken by more than about 30-40 centimeters. The leaves are pinnate, very long, reaching up to 5 meters.
In temperate regions, it is usually grown a lot as a houseplant, but it is difficult for it to survive, as it needs high humidity, temperatures above 18 ° C and abundant light. When the weather is good and you have it on the ground, grows at a rate of about 40-60 centimeters per year .
Dipsis lutein
La Dipsis lutein , known as the yellow palm or areca (be careful not to confuse it with the palms of the genus Areca), is a tropical plant with several trunks that reach a height of 6 to 12 meters no more than 20 centimeters thick each.
Its leaves are pinnate, about 2-3 meters long, so it takes up less space than other species. In terms of growth rate, if conditions are favorable, grows about 30-40 centimeters per year .
You want a place where you can find shade when you are young, although you can get used to the sun as you climb in high humidity. The climate should be mild, without frost or very, very weak. For example, I have two in the garden, in a place where they are very protected by walls and other plants, and maintain temperatures down to -1.5 ° C. If you have a colder climate, it is better to plant them in pots indoors or in a greenhouse.
Phoenix dactylifera
Image - Flickr / Pablo Sanchez Martin
La date It is a palm tree with one or more trunks about 30-50 centimeters in diameter, which reaches a height of 25 to 30 meters . The leaves are pinnate and prickly, gray, 5 meters long. As a curiosity, you should know that it makes the best tasting dates.
It tolerates drought very well, as well as hot and temperate climates. Withstands frost down to -4ºC without damage, grows about 30-40 centimeters per year .
Roystonea Vodka
Image - Wikimedia / Forest and Kim Starr
La Royal Cuban Palm This is a wonderful tropical plant with feathery leaves that reaches a height of 25 meters but can reach 40 meters. Its trunk has a diameter of up to 60 centimeters, and its leaves are up to 6 meters long. When the weather is warm grows about 40 centimeters per year .
The disadvantage is that it does not withstand frost, perhaps down to -1 or -2ºC when it reaches size (3 meters or so) and is in an area protected from the wind.
Syagros romansofiana
Image - Wikimedia / Andres Gonzalez
La pindo palm or pinnate coconut is a very elegant plant, reaches a height of 25 meters , with a trunk up to 60 centimeters at the base.
Its feathery appearance and ease of cultivation have made it one of the most interesting. Moreover, can grow about 40-50 centimeters in the year .
Do you know what he needs? Nothing but fertile land with good drainage, occasional watering and sun. Resistant to frost down to -8ºС.
Washingtonia Robusta
Image - Wikimedia / Spikebrennan
This is the most common. It is known as the Mexican fan palm and, as the name suggests, it has fan-shaped leaves. Its trunk reaches 35 meters in height. is about 35-40 centimeters thick at the base.
It can grow at a rate of 1 meter per year. if conditions are suitable; although most often it occurs at a rate of 50-60 centimeters per year. Withstands down to -4ºC.
Which of these fast growing palm trees do you like best?
7 Fast Growing Palm Trees for Your Garden
Image - Wikimedia / iMahesh
Who doesn't want a tall palm tree in their garden in no time? Well, I'm not going to deceive you: the truth is that this is exactly what many want, since one of the beliefs that usually brings people back when buying a copy is that roots can break pipes and floors.
But the only thing they are able to lift is the earth and possibly the rough pavement.
Now, if you want to buy it, and you are one of those who are wondering which palm trees grow fast , then we will name them.
Although I know it's not difficult, the types of fast growing palms are not always known, and this is very important if you want to have a garden or patio with plants of a certain size. Many of them are of very high decorative value when young, but most, if not all, become more beautiful with age.
So, which ones are of interest to us? Here is the list: is the largest member of the Archontophoenix genus, since can measure up to 30 meters in height (others, like Archontophoenix Alexandra or Archontophoenix Canningamiana , they keep at 20-25 meters). Despite its height, its trunk always remains thin, its thickness is only 30 centimeters. The leaves are pinnate, up to 5 meters long.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel
From experience I can say that this is a pearl plant, with fast growth (about 40 centimeters / year) , and also that it is not difficult for him to adapt to the sun if he gradually gets used to it.
Of course, it needs frequent watering. It maintains temperatures down to -2ºC, possibly down to -3ºC if protected.
Coconut Komarova
El coconut tree is primarily a tropical palm tree. This is one of the few who can live on the beaches without any damage. Reaches a height of 10 to 20 meters. , and its trunk does not thicken by more than about 30-40 centimeters. The leaves are pinnate, very long, reaching up to 5 meters.
In temperate regions, it is usually grown a lot as a houseplant, but it is difficult for it to survive, as it needs high humidity, temperatures above 18 ° C and abundant light. When the weather is good and you have it on the ground, grows at a rate of about 40-60 centimeters per year .
Dipsis lutein
La Dipsis lutein , known as the yellow palm or areca (be careful not to confuse it with the palms of the genus Areca), is a tropical plant with several trunks that reach a height of 6 to 12 meters no more than 20 centimeters thick each.
Its leaves are pinnate, about 2-3 meters long, so it takes up less space than other species. In terms of growth rate, if conditions are favorable, grows about 30-40 centimeters per year .
You want a place where you can find shade when you are young, although you can get used to the sun as you climb in high humidity. The climate should be mild, without frost or very, very weak. For example, I have two in the garden, in a place where they are very protected by walls and other plants, and maintain temperatures down to -1.5 ° C. If you have a colder climate, it is better to plant them in pots indoors or in a greenhouse.
Phoenix dactylifera
Image - Flickr / Pablo Sanchez Martin
La date It is a palm tree with one or more trunks about 30-50 centimeters in diameter, which reaches a height of 25 to 30 meters . The leaves are pinnate and prickly, gray, 5 meters long. As a curiosity, you should know that it makes the best tasting dates.
It tolerates drought very well, as well as hot and temperate climates. Withstands frost down to -4ºC without damage, grows about 30-40 centimeters per year .
Roystonea Vodka
Image - Wikimedia / Forest and Kim Starr
La Royal Cuban Palm This is a wonderful tropical plant with feathery leaves that reaches a height of 25 meters but can reach 40 meters. Its trunk has a diameter of up to 60 centimeters, and its leaves are up to 6 meters long. When the weather is warm grows about 40 centimeters per year .
The disadvantage is that it does not withstand frost, perhaps down to -1 or -2ºC when it reaches size (3 meters or so) and is in an area protected from the wind.
Syagros romansofiana
Image - Wikimedia / Andres Gonzalez
La pindo palm or pinnate coconut is a very elegant plant, reaches a height of 25 meters , with a trunk up to 60 centimeters at the base.
