PALM TREE: THE VERSATILE TROPICAL PLANT

Palm trees are one of the most iconic symbols of tropical paradise. However, how much do you really know about these majestic trees? Fortunately, you have stumbled upon the right place! In this article, we provided 15 interesting facts about palm trees. Continue reading to learn more about these fascinating plants.

15 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT PALM TREES

1. Palm trees are not trees: They are big, woody herbs, not trees, according to the botanical definition. They are closely related to bamboos, grasses, bananas, and sedges.
2. Long life span: Palm trees can live around 40 to 100 years, depending on their type.
3. Slow producers: A single healthy date palm tree can produce up to 90 kg of dates a year. Date palms bear fruit in 4 to 5 years and achieve full bearing in 10 to 15 years, yielding 40 to 90 Kg per year.
4. Natural lightning rods: Because of their height, palms operate as natural lightning conductors during storms, which help prevent fatalities due to lightning - unless you're standing underneath!
5. The smallest palm tree in the world: Dypsis Minuta is the only palm tree specie with a maximum height of 50 cm.

1. Not all palm fruits are edible: Unlike coconuts and dates, other palm fruits are harmful to people and animals, such as sago.
2. Nightly oxygen: The Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) produces oxygen at night, making it an ideal indoor plant.
3. Palm trees have multiple growth patterns: Palms may develop and spread in several ways, such as trees, shrubs, and climbers. Today, there are over 2,600 palm species.
4. Palms have two leaf shapes: Palm tree leaves come in two major types, palmate (fan-shaped) and pinnate (feather-shaped). The former has leaves that extend out like human fingers, while the latter has leaves that shoot out along each side of a central axis and resemble untamed tufts of hair.
5. The tallest palm tree can grow up to 60 metres: Quindio Wax Palm is a magnificent palm tree that grows exceedingly tall. It is indigenous to the tropical forests of the Andes of Columbia and Northern Peru.

1. The Lodoicea maldivica palm tree waters and fertilises itself: Also known as sea coconut, Coco de Mer, and double coconut, Lodoicea palm trees are somewhat independent plants. Its enormous leaves collect water (and nutrients on the way down) and turn it into a natural fertiliser mix that goes down to the roots, which feed the plant.
2. You can make wine from palm trees: Palm wine, also known as toddy, is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of several palm tree species prevalent in Southeast Asian nations. As you can tell, palms are truly multi-purposed plants!
3. Some palm trees can grow in cold places: Cold hardy palms can endure cold temperatures up to -18 °C. So don't think you can't have palm trees because you don't live in a tropical place. Remember that you can grow cold hardy palms!
4. Largest seed in the world: Lodoicea maldivica palm trees are famous for producing the world's biggest and heaviest seeds weighing 18 to 25 kg.
5. Trimming palm trees can be fatal: When trimming palm tree fronds from the bottom rather than the top, loose fronds might accumulate inside the tree opposed to falling on the ground. It can result in an avalanche effect, possibly trapping and smothering a person underneath. Hence the importance of skilled and knowledgeable Arborists.

PALM TREE USES AND IMPORTANCE

Now that we have pondered on the facts about palm trees, let us head over to their uses and importance. Palms are very versatile in terms of numerous utilisations. From the leaves to the roots, palms are very functional! One of the most popular uses for palm trees is being an ornamental plant. Palms add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any landscape and create a tropical oasis in your backyard. If you live in a climate that doesn't support tropical plants, don't worry - there are many varieties of palm trees that are well-suited for colder climates.

Palm trees can also provide much-needed shade on hot summer days. If you have a deck or patio, consider planting a few palms to create a shady retreat where you can enjoy the outdoors without the exposure to harsh sun rays. In addition to their ornamental and functional value, palm trees also play a vital role in the environment. Many palm trees are keystone species, which means that they provide habitat and shelter for multitudes of other plant and animal life. By planting palms, you can help create a healthy ecosystem that will support a diverse range of wildlife. Australia has a range of great palm species!?

HOW TO CARE FOR PALM TREES

First and foremost, palm trees need a lot of sunlight to thrive. If your tree is not getting enough sun, it will look yellow, and the leaves will begin to drop off. To avoid this, place your palm tree in a spot where it will get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Secondly, palm trees need to be watered regularly. They are native to tropical climates, and as such, they like their soil to be moist but not soggy. To achieve the perfect balance, we recommend watering your palm tree once a week and allowing the top few inches of soil to dry, between watering sessions.

Finally, your palm tree will also need some occasional TLC through fertilisation. Nourish your palm tree with fertiliser with nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium components with a 3:1:3 ratio. It will help promote new growth and keep your tree looking its best.

By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your palm tree will stay healthy and happy for years to come!

THE TAKEAWAY

Whether you're looking for a beautiful ornamental plant or a hardy tree that will provide shade and shelter, palm trees are an excellent choice. So next time you're at your local nursery, be sure to pick up a few palm trees - you won't be disappointed!

LET CANOPY CONSULTING TAKE CARE OF YOUR TREE NEEDS

At Canopy Consulting, we understand how important trees are to you and your property. That's why we offer a variety of services to help you maintain the health and beauty of your trees. We provide Arborist reports, tree management solutions, resistance drilling and more. We have the knowledge and experience to handle any tree problem you may have. Let us take care of your tree needs so you can relax and enjoy your time outdoors. Feel free to contact us today!