Monday, April 26, 2010

Washingtonia robusta - Mexican Fan Palm

Washingtonia robusta: Washingtonia, named for George Washington; robusta, meaning 'robust'.

Compare to the California native W. filifera, the California Fan Palm.

W. robusta is taller than W. filifera (and Phoenix canariensis for that matter), with a more compact head and narrower trunk resembling a living telephone pole. W. robusta is also much more common than W. filifera.

Lovely skyline effect, especially when planted in groups.

Petioles are armed.

Creamy white inconspicuous flowers in April and May.

Shiny black edible drupes enclose a brown, flat, hard-shelled seed.

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