Everything about the palm tree: what is this plant, where and how long does it grow, and what does it look like in the photo? Features of growing an indoor palm tree - the secrets of a large and beautiful tree How to nourish a palm tree in the summer so that it grows

Some time ago, everyone was swept up in the fashion of looking for “energy vampires” among plants. According to the logic of adherents, since cacti are prickly, that means they are evil and scary, spewing “bad energy” and, in general, “vampires”. The authors of these statements are completely unaware of the fact that all life in the desert is concentrated exactly around these energy pumps. The sharp needles of cacti contribute to negative ionization of air and condensation of humidity - both of these factors have a positive effect on animals, and per person.

The tips of dissected palm leaves are also ionizers. The air under the palm tree is noticeably fresher and rich in ozone, and there is less dust. In short, the so-called “vampires” turned out to be biological filters. Which is certainly useful for you and me.

So what? - the reader will ask, rubbing his hands impatiently. How to breed and maintain these unique creatures?

Where can I get a palm tree?

Even dwarf palms are relatively large plants, more suitable for winter gardens and greenhouses (although many of them grow well in partial shade in apartments). Therefore, about a dozen relatively unpretentious species are widely sold. The vast majority are very young specimens. If a collector wants to purchase some curiosities, then he should contact foreign nurseries.

How to breed them?

Pinch off a leaf and root it will not work. With extremely rare exceptions, palm stems also do not take root. True, the author was once shown the “rooted” tops of dates with a trunk diameter of 30-40 cm, but it is not possible to assert that these plants were actually rooted and were not just dug into the ground with the prospect of drying out. However, rhizomatous palms take root well. Bush palms can also be propagated vegetatively by cutting out the stems and roots. However, this should be done with extreme caution: the cuts must be treated with a fungicide and covered with garden varnish, and root formation in the cuttings must be stimulated with special substances. Due to all these difficulties, most indoor palm trees are obtained by sowing seeds.

I got my first palm tree seedling by simply sticking a date seed into a pot of soil. In fact, this was luck, since dates are often heat treated for better storage, after which the seeds in them die. If the embryo is viable, then its swelling should be ensured, that is, the penetration of moisture through the shell of the seed. Therefore, the substrate for germination must be light and moisture-absorbing. A mixture of equal volume parts of sand, peat and black soil (compost) may be optimal. The mixture is moistened and disinfected. It's easier to do this in microwave oven, in the oven or in a water bath.

The disinfected substrate is placed on a drainage layer in a pot and covered with a cap made, for example, from plastic bottle or plastic bag. The seeds are cleared of pulp. Sometimes they even wash it with soap. If there are several seeds, you can try to carefully file the shells of some of them. The “bones” are buried 1.5-2 cm into the ground (the coconut is buried halfway) and the pot is placed in a warm place at a temperature of 22-25.C (some types require higher temperatures). On average, seeds germinate in a month, although in Pritchardia they can germinate in 10 days, and in Hameropsis they do not germinate for several months.

At first, the seedlings grow slowly. Their growth can be slightly accelerated by fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers mixed with stimulants. You shouldn't overuse "pushing". In nature, palm seeds usually germinate in partial shade. Our sun is not as active as in the tropics, but a long sunny day can slow down both seed germination and seedling growth.

When the seedlings reach 10 cm in height, without tearing off the shell, they are transferred with a piece of substrate into new soil. It differs from the seed mixture by adding 15-20% loamy soil. With further replantings, the proportion of loam is increased, and the proportion of peat (except for marsh species) is reduced. Pots are selected according to the size of the root ball so that the volume of the new pot is 10% larger than the volume of the root ball (with normal root development).

Pinnate palms

Areca betel (Areca catechu) is a tree-like plant with a thin single trunk 5-12 cm in diameter, covered with ring scars from fallen leaves. The leaves are bright green, pinnate, 1.2-1.8 m long, arched. Young specimens go on sale, planted several in one pot - which makes them similar to “reed” palms. Over time, young specimens begin to “press” on each other and require transplanting one at a time into separate pots. Tolerates partial shade and shade perfectly, but requires moist, warm air and a constantly moist substrate.

The coconut palm, or coconut (Cocos nucifera), is a tree-like palm that plays a huge role in the lives of people living in their natural habitats. In nature it reaches 20-25 m in height with a trunk diameter of 30 cm, which in the butt can be expanded due to adventitious roots up to 50 cm in diameter. The trunks are smooth, with vertical cracks and rings from fallen leaves. The leaves are pinnate, 2-4 m long, dense, with more or less evenly spaced lobes. The coconut tree grows quickly and its presence in greenhouses and winter gardens limited by the height of these structures. Actually, the coconut sprouts that go on sale are more of a fashion statement - sooner or later the plants will die. In order to delay this trouble as much as possible, the acquired coconut seedling should be carefully transplanted, without separating it from the nut, but after first washing it from the peat substrate, into loamy soil. At first after transplantation, the plant is watered well, but as soon as it begins to form new leaf, the watering rate is reduced and the proportion of phosphorus in fertilizing is increased. Subsequently, the substrate is made up of 2/3 turf loam and 1/3 sand. Actively growing roots are pruned, and to preserve the viability of the leaves, foliar feeding complex fertilizers with a predominance of nitrogen over phosphorus mixed with a biogenic stimulant. U coconut tree there is a tendency to stretch out and lean towards the light, which is undesirable, so she should be given the most light possible.

Mascarena lagenicaulis is a tree-like bottle palm reaching 3-5 m in height and with long leaves about 1.5-3 m long, with evenly dissected lobes. At the age of 5-13 years, the trunk of this palm tree begins to thicken, but this only happens in open ground. These palms are offered extremely rarely in stores in this form. One-year-old seedlings can be found much more often. Mascarena loves fertile soil with a lot of sand. When young, the leaves are tender and require periodic spraying. From the quality of the foliage, from the quantity supplied by it nutrients depends on the intensity of the expansion of the trunk. Therefore, the seedlings of this palm tree should be kept in bright, indirect light. When replanting, you should select wide pots, but do not bury the plant itself. Content temperature +22 ...24.C.

Date (Phoenix dactylifera) - palmate date - a plant with well-known edible fruits in the tropics reaches a height of 20-30 m. Presumably, this palm was formed not without human influence. There are many varieties known, differing both in size and quality of the fruit. Thanks to their rapid germination and simple culture, young date palms can often be found in greenhouses, winter gardens, and on window sills. Today you can buy two types of decorative date palms: Canary date (Phoenix canarensis) and Robelen date (Phoenix roebelenii). The first grows on rocky soils, in a harsh hot climate, reaching 15 m in height and having leaves up to 5 m long. The leaf blades move away from each other as the leaf shaft grows. The blades are sharp, the petioles have sharp spines, all the leaves are hard and covered with a bluish waxy coating. This is an ascetic plant: it can do without spraying, it grows on a light substrate, and winter temperatures can be around +18.C. In contrast, the Robelena date is a sissy date that grows in tropical rainforests. This low palm has short (up to 1 m) leaves with soft, dissected blades. Young leaves are covered with a white powdery coating, like powder. The plant requires fertile loamy soil, regular watering and spraying.

Chamaedorea seifrizii is a shrubby “reed” palm with numerous thin, straight, bamboo-like trunks 1-2 m in height and up to 3 cm in diameter, constantly growing from an above-ground rhizome. Each trunk can have up to 7 long arched leaves 30-100 cm long. Young leaves are whole, but the blade is rolled into a tube. As it grows, the plate unfolds and divides into soft, sometimes curly leaf blades. This palm blooms at the age of 5-7 years. It is completely undemanding in terms of lighting and tolerates diffused light well in partial shade and shade. It does not have any special requirements for humidity, but it can rot if overwatered. Loves fresh air, ventilation, but not cold. Watering is increased only during active growth. The intensive growth of chamedorea confronts the grower with the need to create a more fertile substrate and use fertilizers.

Howea Forsteriana (Howea forsteriana) is a tall, single-trunked, thin palm tree with a completely straight trunk 5-8-10 cm in diameter. It goes on sale in the form of multi-trunk group planting of seedlings, so replanting will be required over time. The leaves of adult plants are straight, 2-2.5 m long, with the lower leaves directed horizontally, which indicates their maturity. The leaf blades are approximately 1.5-2 cm apart from each other, green, with small yellow or black dots on the bottom, similar to lesions of pathogenic fungi (which can frighten an inexperienced gardener). Khoveya is not particularly whimsical. Tolerates relative dry indoor air and, despite the fact that it prefers strong diffused light, grows well in partial shade for a long time. This palm tree does not suffer when the temperature drops to +12.C, but the owner should remember that as the temperature drops, watering and spraying should be reduced. For intensive growth, howea requires a fertile substrate and periodic fertilizing, including in winter, if the temperature does not fall below +20.C.

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens is a “reed” palm with several trunks, each of which can reach 7-9 m in height and 10-12 cm in diameter. Young trunks and leaf petioles are yellow or yellowish-green with black spots, which should not be considered a disease. The leaves are long, flexible, arched, up to 2 m long, petiole 50-60 cm long, leaf blade up to 90 cm wide, dissected into paired lobes. In indoor conditions, this palm tree grows best in a place that is maximally illuminated (but not in direct sunlight). Large specimens can withstand strong sun and high humidity. He loves watering, spraying, and "baths" very much. In nature, it grows on acidic flooded soils, therefore, when kept in a pot culture, it requires an acidic peat-containing substrate and a constant presence of water in the pan. In winter, watering is reduced, but spraying becomes more frequent and intensified. Long temperatures below +20.C can be detrimental to this palm tree.

Fan palms

Washingtonia robusta (Washingtonia robusta) and V. hairy (Washingtonia filifera). Washingtonias are tree-like palms with trunks up to 20-25 m high and up to 90 cm in diameter, in the upper part covered with dried petioles of leaves, which below turn into felt and fall even lower. The leaves are half or more divided into lobes, which are more or less dissected at the apexes, so that strings of veins form between them (especially in V. filamentosa). At a young age, Washingtonias are very decorative. And with age, their beauty is not lost - the trunks, like tiles, are covered with chocolate-colored petioles. The plants are easy to cultivate and undemanding to the soil; they are only afraid of overwatering. They love light and fresh air. Winter temperatures within 8-10.C promote the ripening of tissues and the formation of buds.

Caryota urens is a tree-like single-stem plant up to 9-15 m tall and 30-45 cm in diameter in the butt part, with a dense crown. The leaves are fan-shaped, divided into two lobes, which makes them similar to fish tails (for which these palms are called “fishtail”); blades are 5-6 cm long and up to 4 cm wide, light green. Young specimens require a warm and bright place to be kept (but not in direct sunlight), high humidity, and daily spraying. Karyote grows quite quickly and requires transplantation into a new substrate every 2 years.

Livistona rotundifolia, or patching, is a tree-like palm with a single trunk up to 10-14 m in height and 15-17 cm in diameter, covered with the remains of petioles from fallen leaves. The leaves are glossy, green, evenly dissected by 2/3 into folded lobes, the petiole is up to 1.5 m long, with numerous spines. Requires a sandy, but fertile and moisture-intensive substrate, which is achieved by adding 20% peat. The substrate should not dry out. This palm tree grows quite slowly and produces 3-4 leaves per year. Loves diffused lighting, spraying and "bath". In winter, watering is reduced, but sprayed constantly. It was noticed that the decrease in temperature in winter time up to +16-18.C has a good effect on the future growth of this palm tree in summer. Licuala grandis is a magnificent bush-like palm, a relative newcomer among indoor plants. It has a straight trunk up to 2 m high and 5-7 cm in diameter and amazing all-fan ribbed leaves that burst apart at the time of aging. In general, this palm looks like a bunch of 5-10 fans 60-80 cm in diameter, raised on thin petioles, up to 90 cm long. This is a plant of tropical rainforests, so it loves moisture and diffused light. The substrate must contain a sufficient amount of nutrients. Rapis exelsa is a “reed” palm with bamboo-like trunks covered with fibers. Individual trunks are up to 3 m high and 3-4 cm in diameter. The leaves are fan-shaped, with serrated edges, dissected almost to the base into 5-10 lobes. The petiole is thin, up to 40 cm long. Rapis grows on moist soils, so when cultivated it requires a moisture-intensive substrate with the addition of up to 20% peat and constant watering, spraying and a “bath”. At good care this palm tree actively sprouts and grows in width, which forces the gardener to provide it with wide pots. Despite its moisture-loving nature, rapis tolerates short-term frosts down to -7.C. In general, a decrease in temperature in winter to +7...10.C has a beneficial effect on future summer growth. Location - from light to partial shade.

Trachycarpus fortunei is a tree-like palm with a thick single trunk up to 12 m high and up to 25 cm in diameter, covered with dried leaf petioles. The leaves are dark green, hard, deeply dissected, petioles up to 1 m long, with sharp serrated projections. In Burma, China and Japan, where this palm grows, strong ropes are made from its leaf fibers. In culture, Trachycarpus grows beautifully in pots and even blooms. Requires a well-lit place, in summer - fresh air, abundant watering, and fertilizing. In winter, it can withstand temperatures dropping to 0.C and even short-term frosts!

Chamaerops humilis is a tree-like palm with a trunk 1-2-5 m in height and up to 50 cm in diameter, covered with the remains of petioles and reddish-brown fibers. The leaves are round, 50-80 cm long and wide, divided into narrow lobes almost to the base; petiole up to 90 cm long with claw-shaped spines. Young, unexpanded leaves have been used for food since ancient times, as a result of which this palm was literally almost completely eaten in the Mediterranean. In addition, people used this palm tree both as a cultivated plant and for decorative purposes - so we have several varieties at our disposal that differ in leaf size (up to 1.5 m in diameter) and petiole length (up to 3 m in length). Chamerops can tolerate minor frosts and is successfully cultivated in open ground up to the southern regions of the temperate zone. In potted culture, this palm tree is also very popular due to its relatively small growth. Undemanding to watering and air humidity, does not like overflow. With age, it prefers heavy loamy, but fairly fertile soil. It tolerates partial shade well and requires cool winter maintenance at a temperature of +10-15.C. Note: such popular plants as cycas, dracaena, cordyline, pandanus, banana, pineapple, papyrus, cyperus are NOT PALM TREES!

If your young palm tree has just arrived from the store, pay attention to the peat substrate in which it grows. In nurseries it is saturated with a nutrient solution, but at home its nutritional value is rapidly lost. Therefore, it is worth transplanting the purchased plants into a new fertile substrate. However, it should be remembered that dormant palms do not tolerate transplantation. Therefore, the palm tree should be replanted and replanted in the spring.

The plants are carefully removed from the shipping containers (the so-called pots in which the palm trees were purchased) and placed in a large container, such as a basin or bucket, into which water is poured generously. The temperature of this water, as well as water for watering palm trees in general, should be slightly higher than the temperature of a person’s hand, that is, you should feel some warmth. It would be useful to add 0.5 g of potassium permanganate (per 10 liters) to the water for soaking. When the peat substrate swells and softens, it can be easily separated without damaging the roots. The exposed root system is examined and black (rotten) roots are removed; the wounds are sprinkled with ground charcoal, ash or aluminum powder. It is advisable (although not necessary) to dip the roots into a thick mixture of soaked loam before planting - the clay will stick to the roots and they will not be injured when replanting and compacting the soil in the pot.

From the mixture equal parts sand, loam (gray soil) and chernozem (or compost) prepare a new substrate. Non-swamp palm species do not need peat. If you purchased a “specialized” substrate for palm trees based on peat, then you should add an equal volume of sand and loam to it, as well as 20 g/l of chalk, slaked lime or potassium sulfate or 1 glass of ash per 10 liters of substrate for deoxidation. In any case, the new substrate must be disinfected.

The pot is selected according to the volume of the root ball. It must be large enough drainage hole. Drainage is laid at the bottom in a layer of at least 5 cm: broken red brick, broken shards or large destroyed expanded clay. Small expanded clay, like undestroyed clay, should not be used: it alkalizes the substrate too much. In addition, inside the large expanded clay, the black layer contains aluminum salts, which have a detrimental effect on pathogenic fungal microflora.

The disinfected substrate is poured in a heap onto a layer of drainage material. The roots are straightened so that they are evenly distributed in the pot and covered with a substrate that is compacted moderately. The distance from the edge of the pot to the substrate should ensure the possibility of abundant watering, that is, be within 3-5 cm. Root collar should be at surface level - if it is too deep, the butt part of the stem may rot. If the plant “wobbles” at first, it should be secured with support sticks, a trellis or guy wires. As the roots grow, the palm will become fixed in the substrate and the supports can be removed.

Decorate the surface of the soil in a pot with expanded clay or marble chips No need. You should also not use pine nut shells, conifer bark or wood chips as decorative mulching material. However, leave plenty of space open ground around the stem is also harmful - this leads to acidification of the soil and reproduction harmful insects. This issue can be resolved in two ways.

1 - the surface of the substrate is covered with a cut circle of geotextile, onto which, for example, granite or basalt chips, pebbles, smalt (decorative glass) are poured;

2 - the free part of the substrate is sown with seeds of slowly growing lawn grass(which will have to be trimmed periodically) or ground cover plants are planted there, for example dwarf ficus, solar ivy, etc.

Large tree palms can also be planted with small “reed” palms, such as chamedorea. Ferns, phytonias, terrestrial bromeliads, and ornamental grasses coexist well in one pot with palm trees. Naturally, over time, intensively growing plants will have to be thinned out and pruned.

In nature, palm trees are very actively growing plants, not only in the aboveground part, but also in the underground part. In culture, the roots of palm trees are contained within the pot and, undoubtedly, cannot fully develop. In order for them to ensure successful growth of the stem and leaves, the grower will have to artificially increase the fertility of the substrate by adding organic and mineral supplements. This should be done at the time of active growth of palm trees, that is, in spring and summer. If the visible growth of the palm tree does not stop in autumn and even in winter (this can also happen), the plants are also fed, although in a smaller volume. Feeding during stagnation (sleep) is not only meaningless, but can also harm the plant.

There are several opinions about watering palm trees. They all boil down to the fact that plants should not dry out, but they should not be flooded (except for swamp species) either. However, it must be remembered that settled tap water does not lose its hardness and after some time calcium will begin to be deposited on the walls of the pot and the surface of the substrate. For watering palm trees, boiled water or at least settled water from a “hot” tap is better suited.

Let me remind you that palm leaves actively attract dust, that is, those particles that should get into our lungs. If possible and if the weight of the pot with the plant allows, the palm tree is given a shower once a month. The water should be warm and plentiful to wash away the dust, and it should be poured obliquely so as not to wash away the substrate. If the pot is extremely heavy, the dust is removed with a damp sponge without pressure (however, not all specimens can tolerate wiping the leaves), and the plants are often (at least once a week) sprayed.

Not all palm trees tolerate the beginning of the heating season equally well, when indoor air humidity quickly decreases. Withered leaf tips indicate poor water conditions, in this case, insufficiently comfortable air humidity. Therefore, the intensity of spraying palm foliage should be increased.

As palm trees grow, they lose old leaves. In general, the intensity of formation of young leaves in different types ranges from 3-4 to 10-15 per year. Each leaf stays on the plant for up to 2 years. The old leaf turns yellow and falls off in two stages: first the blade, then the petiole. In culture, the prevalence of leaf formation over leaf wilting is important. Otherwise, the florist risks being left with a palm tree without leaves.

By the way, inexperienced flower growers often unwittingly make one serious mistake that encourages palm trees to shed leaves - they remove yellow leaves. It should be noted here that the plant transfers substances it does not need into the fading, yellowing leaf. In nature, “waste” is also excreted through the roots, but in a potted culture, the activity of the roots is reduced and the function of the “buds” is redistributed to the leaves. When a yellow leaf is cut, the plant sends the waste to the next leaf, which encourages yellowing. If this leaf is removed, then the next one comes, and this can continue until the palm tree becomes completely bald. Therefore, it is categorically impossible to cut off yellow leaves, and in order to ensure that the decorative effect of the palm tree is not lost, they are camouflaged by bending into the crown. Sections of the leaf are cut off only when they are completely dry, and even then along dry fabric at a distance of 1.5-2 cm from the fabric that has not yet dried.

Palm trees, especially young ones, tolerate partial shade indoors well. However, they should also be given a “vacation” for some time a year, moving them to a more illuminated place. It should be remembered that a sharp transition from partial shade to abundant sun is undesirable and can even lead to burns.

Any “palm lover” should be aware that palm trees, especially tree-like ones, will eventually hit the ceiling after some time. In botanical gardens, workers have to either add caps to greenhouses or part with overgrown specimens. But in the room you can try to somewhat slow down the growth of palm trees by reducing soil fertility, watering intensity and the application of phosphorus fertilizers.

Create tropical garden Many people want to have a palm tree in their home. To grow palm tree at home, you need to create native tropical conditions and be patient. The majestic tree grows for several decades.

The variety of species, sizes and varieties makes it difficult to choose what kind of home palm we want to get. Many grow quite quickly, grow to gigantic sizes and do not feel comfortable in small apartment. Understand the variety and choose the right plant Our article will help you for home use.

Home palm: description

The palm tree is so named because of the bizarre shape of its leaves, which resemble a human palm. Not all species have this leaf shape, but we learned about this a little later.

Main characteristics of palm trees:

Today, several thousand species of palm trees are known. There are far fewer domestic representatives.
Home palm is an unpretentious plant, which grows slowly in indoor conditions. The homeland of the palm tree is the tropics and subtropics.
Beauty and spectacular look a palm tree creates with the help of leaves. They form a ball or circle of thin long leaves, some species have wide leaves. The plant does not tolerate the removal of green foliage. You shouldn't do this for no apparent reason.
Home palm growing in large pots. As they grow, they increase the earthen spaces for development and growth. In a few years or even decades, a real tree will appear in the house. Under the foliage you can create a tropical clearing for relaxation.
The palm tree has a thick trunk and large spreading leaves at the top. The trunk is formed as the plant grows and the stems die. At home, palm trees do not bear fruit. Due to aridity and cool temperatures, fruits do not form on the domestic palm tree.

Many people confuse domestic palms with false representatives. False palms grow from woody leaves.

False palms include:

dracaena;
yucca;
pandanus;
Cordilina.

Dracaena

Pandanus

Cordilina

They resemble dwarf palms, which rarely grow more than 1 m.

Another plant looks like a home palm - white-veined spurge. Outwardly, it resembles a bizarre small palm tree: wide green leaves with a red border grow on the upper part of the stem. In fact, it is a succulent and has nothing to do with the palm tree.

Real palm trees form home flower beds. Some species have many leaf stems with a large fan. Such home flowers in the form of palm trees are popular among lovers of tropical plants. To prevent the branches from falling apart, they are tied, forming a “bouquet”.

Varieties of domestic palm

All palms are divided into 2 large groups: fan and pinnate. They are distinguished by leaf shape.

Fan palms:

coconut:
banana:
date.

Typical representatives of the cirrus palm are Chamerops or Trachycaprus. Some palms are short in stature, like the pineapple palm, and with fancy flowers, like the caryota palm. What domestic palms have in common is their unpretentiousness to growing conditions and soil composition.

Below is a catalog of decorative indoor palm trees with photographs and descriptions.

Date

This is one of the most common types of domestic palms:

Belongs to the pinnate species: a thick trunk and a fan of leaves at the top.
As the leaves grow, they die and the plant grows in height.
The family includes more than 20 species.
The homeland of the date is Africa, known since the times of Mesopotamia.

More often, lovers of exotic plants grow from seeds. But unfortunately, after a few years they regret their action: it grows very quickly and rests on the ceiling of the apartment. It is impossible to force a palm tree to bear fruit from a seed. It bears fruit after many years in nature and maintaining the required temperature. They do not require special care: moderate watering and constant temperature, they are afraid of drafts and cold windows in winter.

Date palm

Hovea

The origin of the species is the Pacific Islands. Grows up to 2 meters at home. Belongs to the feathery species. The trunk is formed at a fairly “mature” age. The leaves grow straight from the roots, forming a giant cap. It is unpretentious and undemanding in care, tolerates lack of light and aridity. Prefers window sills, balconies and other bright and warm places.

Hovea

Liviston

Refers to the fan form. On the stem, thin leaves form a circle with a cut to the middle. Domestic species grow up to 1.5 m. Their homeland is southern Asia, Australia and the islands. She loves a lot of light and constant temperatures. Reducing the temperature to +10℃ can kill the plant. Propagated by seeds that form on the lower part of the leaf. Likes constant watering: every day or every other day.

Liviston

Umbrella palm

Or Likuala. It also appeared in home greenhouses from the tropics. Spectacular leaves of huge sizes look like a corrugated fan, the trunk is thin and low. Grows no more than 2 m. Demanding on moisture. Due to excessive watering, the roots may rot, which is not a concern at all. house plant. You can get rid of this by pouring alcohol.

Umbrella palm

Hamedorea (Neanta)

It is called the bamboo palm from the tropical forests of Yucatan and Mexico. The feathery leaves are elongated. The trunk is low, formed from dead stems. At home, it grows up to 1.2 m in a few years. It requires light, but does not like direct sunlight. The optimal temperature is more than +18℃. It also requires a lot of watering without stagnation of water and drying out of the soil.

Hamedorea

cat palm

Or cyperus grows only in Egypt. It was from this that the legendary papyrus was made. It produces thin, dark green stems straight from the ground. The leaves form umbrellas in several layers. Domestic cats love the palm tree, which is probably why it was given such a name. Like many members of the palm family, it requires light and humidity. It is important to maintain tropical temperatures.

cat palm

Dracaena

Refers to false palms that appeared at home from the tropics. There are several hundred species. There are thin leaves on the upper part of the trunk. Some species have a red border on the foliage. It grows unpretentiously. Tolerates drought, does not like direct sunlight and drafts.

"Palm" Dracaena

Rapis

The tropical plant is classified as a fan species. Wide, fan-shaped leaves with many slits grow from a low trunk. At home, low rapis is common, which grows up to 1.5 m.

Great attention must be paid to watering: it does not tolerate waterlogging or drying out of the soil. Prefers high temperatures from +20℃. In summer, during dry times, take a shower with cool water.

Rapis

Cycas or sago palm

The plant's homeland is considered to be India and the islands of Polynesia. The short plant has a “pot-bellied” trunk, from which stems grow in several groups. It grows very slowly. Under ideal conditions, it adds only 3 cm per year. The foliage remains practically unchanged and has a dark green color.

Belongs to the feathery varieties. Care requires direct sunlight for several hours, moderate watering and average temperatures. If the conditions are not met, it falls into stagnation and does not grow.

Tsikas

Areca

The palm tree is native to China and India. Of the few species, only a few are grown at home. There is no trunk. The stems are semicircular in shape, collected in bunches with wide leaves. Areca is difficult to grow.

A young plant up to 6 years of age does not survive sunburn or low temperature and eventually dies. Requires light from all sides and moderate watering. Optimum temperature +35℃. Can grow up to 12 m in an apartment.

Areca

Yucca

Refers to false palms, native to the arid regions of Central America. A low shrub with a thick trunk with tough foliage at the top. The foliage is pointed in shape with stiff hairs along the edges, the leaf length reaches half a meter.

At good conditions will be blooming: on a high stick, a stem with many flowers will grow from the center white according to form. When caring, it requires moderate watering: it dies in waterlogged soil and cold air. Tolerates aridity. Requires sunny color and air temperature from +20℃.

"Palm" Yucca

Kariota

The variety is better known as fishtail. It got its name due to its unusual foliage, reminiscent of a fish tail. Indoor species grow small in size. Homeland - tropical forests of Asia, the Pacific Islands and Australia.

Karyote has no trunk; stems with fancy leaves grow from the ground. Requires air humidity as in the tropics. Resistant to moderate watering and average air temperatures.

Kariota

Livistona Chinese

The species grows naturally on the Pacific Islands and eastern Australia. The indoor plant does not have a trunk. It grows quickly due to fan leaves with many cuts. Grows in the shade low temperatures at +16-18℃. But it does not tolerate dryness and prefers frequent spraying.

Livistona Chinese

Chrysalidocarpus

Homeland: Madagascar and the islands of Oceania. At home it grows several meters. Tall, feathery leaves grow on thin trunks; it is impossible to force a palm tree to bloom in an apartment. Tolerates low temperatures in apartments, moderate watering. Does not like drafts and sudden drops in temperature.

Chrysalidocarpus

Pandanus

Or a screw palm appeared in apartments from eastern Asia and Madagascar. Thick feathery leaves form a trunk. As they die, the plant trunk becomes woody. The leaves of an adult plant have prickly thorns at the ends, which can be dangerous for children and animals.

In an adult plant, roots appear throughout the trunk, forming bizarre shapes. It grows quickly and reaches several meters. Requires a lot of space and height. Undemanding in care.

"Palm" Pandanus

Nolina

Or Bokarneya grows in the southern latitudes of North America. It is popularly called the bottle palm for its bizarre trunk shape: at the base it has the shape of a ball, and the trunk resembles a bottle. At the top of the trunk there are narrow feathery leaves. Sometimes confused with dracaena.

Requires full watering and no drafts. Undemanding to lighting, but the foliage will be thicker and brighter in a sunny place.

Nolina

Brighamy

Or the Hawaiian palm tree came to our apartments from the Hawaiian Islands. At home it grows up to 1 m. Amazing shape The plant attracts attention: on the top of a thick fleshy trunk grow wide leaves with a waxy coating, reminiscent of cabbage.

It blooms with amazing flowers of a simple shape of light yellow color. They grow in the same way as leaves - from the top of the trunk, creating an exotic bouquet. The trunk stores a large amount of moisture, so it tolerates drought. Prefers high temperatures and absence of drafts.

Brighamy

Washingtonia

It grows naturally in the subtropical deserts of the southern North American continent. The variety prefers cool temperatures and bright lighting. Grows up to 20 m even at home. Fan-like hard leaves grow on a thick trunk.

The lower leaves die off, forming a scaly trunk. On an adult plant, flower stalks with 3 m stems appear. After flowering, small black berries are formed.

Washingtonia

Madagascar palm

Or Pachypodium lamera. This amazing plant resembles both a palm tree and a cactus up to 1.5 m high at home. The trunk is covered with needles and resembles a cactus. Long narrow leaves are located at the top of the trunk. In winter it sheds its leaves.

It grows in Madagascar and is poisonous. Requires a lot of light and heat: in summer up to +30℃, in winter at least +15℃. Does not tolerate changing places or even turning the pot. May shed leaves.

Madagascar palm

Trachycarpus

The variety was found in the Himalayas, China and Japan. Grows slowly and tolerates negative temperatures. Refers to fan types. It grows as the lower leaves die. At the top there are large fan-shaped leaves with many cuts, the leaves are hard.

You cannot cut off the bottom leaves - this is how the palm tree takes all the useful substances, and when the leaf is completely dry, it can be removed. Undemanding in care: tolerates shade, frost, drought.

Trachycarpus

Karludovika palmata

False palm. Thick palm-like leaves grow on a fleshy stem. Requires diffused light, moderate watering and no drafts. The homeland of the bush is Panama. It is also called the Panama palm.

Karlyudovka

Cryosophila spanisha

Not the most common type of palm tree at home. The homeland of growth is the tropics of Central America. A graceful, single-trunked plant with curved, feathery, fan-shaped leaves. Undemanding to light and watering. Does not tolerate excess salt in soil and water. Resistant to pests.

Necessary conditions for domestic palm trees

Each type of palm tree requires certain conditions: some need a lot of light, others cannot live without daily watering. At the same time, there are general rules. With proper care and attention, the tropical beauty will grow for decades.

The average lifespan of palm trees at home is 15 years.

Let's consider the features of keeping ornamental palm trees.

Priming

Lighting

Palm trees are preferred diffused light. sun rays will harm the plant and leave burns, which will cause the plant to die.

Place the pot with the home palm tree in direct sunlight for several hours, after peak hours of solar activity. Selected species prefer partial shade. In extreme cases, artificial lighting is used.

Temperature

The tropical plant prefers warm temperature air from +16℃ in winter to +30℃ in summer.

Some species require cool wintering. Observing temperature regime, do not forget about drafts. Plants cannot tolerate them.

It is also necessary to monitor the soil temperature: if the roots become too cold, the plant will die. Therefore, you should not place pots with indoor palm trees on the windowsill or cold floor. For many species, the temperature is detrimental - +10℃.

Humidity

For many species, indoor humidity is important:

Palm trees are undemanding to care. Fulfillment of necessary conditions for comfortable growth homey look palm trees will allow you to admire the beauty for many years.

General rules of care

Let's look at the question of how to care for domestic palm trees.

Transfer

How to replant domestic palm trees:

Reproduction

Most varieties are propagated only by seeds. For this you need fresh seeds. After 3-4 years, the seed germinates poorly and takes a long time.
Before sowing, soak the seeds in water for several days., changing the water daily.
Plant in light soil with plenty of sand. When several leaves appear on the palm tree, transplant it into a permanent pot with a diameter of no more than 9 cm.
It is better not to use tall pots. TO The root system is greatly elongated.
Some species reproduce vegetatively. To do this, separate the branch and sprinkle it with earth.
You can transplant the plant when replanting.“Tear up” the root system carefully and only after the new plant has its own roots.

Top dressing

Domestic palm trees do not require frequent feeding. Due to excess fertilizer, the plant will die.

The plant is fed rarely and only in spring and summer. If you replant the plant every year, then feed it only in the second half of the year. During this period, fertilizers in the soil run out. To feed the palm tree, universal fertilizer or flower fertilizer is suitable.

Trimming

Rules for correct pruning:

Many species do not require pruning. Palm trees at home grow slowly and therefore are pruned only for aesthetic reasons and dried foliage is removed.
There is no need to prune slightly darkened or wilted leaves. until the sheet is completely dry. So, it takes all the nutrients.
The rule that frequent pruning promotes rapid growth does not work with domestic palms. In some cases, on the contrary, it will even destroy the plant.
Pruning to shorten a palm tree is possible already in adulthood. To do this, use clean and sharp tools.

Never cut off the top of the head - this will cause the plant to die and not grow back.

Diseases and pests

If improperly cared for and the conditions are not met, the palm tree may become sick. Withering and drying of leaves, unhealthy appearance indicate this. Palm trees can also “acquire” small pests.

The pests survive in the area and again settle on the palm tree, drinking the juices.

Problems when growing palm trees at home

In the process of growing palm trees, various difficulties and problems arise. Sometimes the plant does not feel very comfortable. It’s easy to revive a homely beauty if you know what a particular illness means.

Signs	Reasons and what to do?
Leaf tips are dry or brown	Appears when dry. The palm tree does not like dry air or does not receive enough moisture. To do this, increase watering or watering frequency. And also humidify the air by spraying the leaves, you can simply put an open jar of water. This will allow the water to evaporate and provide natural air humidification. Perhaps a palm tree hot from the battery. Move it to the back of the room. Trim off the dried ends without damaging the green parts of the leaf.
Doesn't grow	This happens for various reasons: There is not enough warmth and light. Many types at low or very high temperature they fall into torpor and do not grow. Perhaps she is cold. Choose another place where it will be warmer and there will be no drafts.
Turns yellow	Yellow leaves appear when insufficient watering. The palm tree may need more water if you water it frequently. Yellow leaves also appear when insufficient air humidity. Spray frequently: several times a week. Afterwards, reduce the amount to 1-2 times a week. Also provide open containers with water.
Withers	Palm withers after transplantation, expressing dissatisfaction with the change of place. Either you don’t like the soil or the roots were damaged during replanting. If there was no transplant, then probably the roots are rotting. Examine the root system, remove damaged parts. Change the soil and reduce the amount of watering.
Leaves are drying	This happens for burns, especially for young plants. Create a shadow or cover from direct rays with a light cloth or paper.
Rust colored stains	Appear when the soil is waterlogged or water stagnates inside the pot: The pot should have drainage and several holes to allow excess water to drain out of the container. Be sure to remove water from the saucer when watering. If the soil is not slightly dry, postpone watering until the next day. Rusty spots are also possible when water salinity. For irrigation, use settled water so that chlorine, ammonia evaporate, and salts precipitate.

Oddly enough, not all people can answer the question correctly about what grows on a palm tree. Some believe that not only dates and coconuts can grow on them, but also bananas and pineapples, which is absolutely incredible.

Types of Palm Plants

Palm is a southern woody plant that grows exclusively in tropical and subtropical climates. The Palm family belongs to flowering plants and has about 185 genera and 3,400 species. There are especially many of these plants in the areas of Southeast Asia and the tropical countries of South America.

In colder regions, palm representatives can be seen in the Mediterranean and North Africa, Crete, Japan and China, northern Australia, etc.

Palm trees can be found in completely different places, from the sea coast to the slopes of the highlands, near swamps and forests, as well as in hot oases in the desert. However, most of all they prefer humid and shady areas with a tropical climate, forming continuous thickets. Palm trees are also widespread in African savannas, where they easily tolerate drought and hot winds.

Shapes and structural features of palm trees

Palm trees have a wide variety of growth forms:

tree-like: Cuban, royal, corypha umbelliferous; Washingtonia filamentosa; barrigona, hyphene thebes (dum palm);
shrub-like: lanceolate chamedorea, acelorapha;
stemless: palmetto shrub, Wallich herring, saw palmetto;
climbing vines: calamus.

The original structural features of palm trees are that the plant does not have the usual botanical elements, such as a trunk and branches:

its “trunk” is formed from the remains of obsolete leaves, which harden and form a column; it can only grow upward, but not in width, and this process is quite long (1 m grows in 10 years);
the roots at the base form a bulb, from which small roots extend;
nutritious juices circulate only in the center of the “trunk”, due to which palm trees are considered fire-resistant;
Thanks to its ability to re-sprout leaves from its own trunk, this plant is called a “phoenix tree.”

Among palm trees there are monoecious and dioecious plants; in the second option, there are male plants that pollinate the female ones, and accordingly, only the latter bear fruit. In nature, pollination occurs with the help of the wind, but in cultivated plantings people do it manually. Fruit ripening lasts about 200 days.

Fruits of palm trees

The palm tree is one of the most useful plants for humans, because many of its varieties produce very tasty and even medicinal fruits: dates, coconuts, etc. Flour, oil, alcoholic drinks are also made from them industrial scale produces fibers that are used to make bags and other fabric products.

The most beneficial fruits for humans that grow on palm trees are dates and coconuts.

The date is a cylindrical berry with a thin peel; its average weight is 7 g, of which 2 g is per seed. The sugar content in it reaches 70%, calorie content - 30 kcal/piece. 10 dates a day provide daily requirement human body in magnesium, sulfur, copper, iron and a quarter - calcium.

Many tasty and healthy ingredients are extracted from coconut:

juice or water - a clear liquid, the endosperm of a coconut, contained inside the fruit; as it ripens, it mixes with oil and hardens;
coconut milk - obtained after squeezing grated copra, it is white and quite fatty, after adding sugar it is very tasty;
oil - extracted from coconut copra, is a valuable product due to its high content of fatty acids, used in cosmetics and treatment.

Coconut tree

It is not for nothing that this plant is called the “tree of life” in the tropics, because local residents use almost all of its parts for food and making various products; the leaves and wood are used in construction.

However, for unlucky people, this palm tree can become a “tree of death”, because according to statistics, 150 people die every year from blows to the head from such nuts. The weight of an average coconut is about 1-3 kg, so dropping it even on the roof of a car leaves a dent, and it is deadly for the head.

Coconut palm fruits grow in groups of 15-20 pieces. and ripen in 8-10 months. Fruiting in trees lasts up to 50 years, during this period each palm tree produces 60-120 nuts annually.

The outside of the coconut is covered with a hard shell, inside there is pulp and liquid, which becomes sweet as the fruit ripens. You can clean it with a knife or machete.

Date palm

Date palms were grown in Mesopotamia (in modern-day Iraq) starting in the 4th century BC. e. The tree bears fruit for 60-80 years, and can live up to 150.

There are legends about the benefits and calorie content of date palm fruits. Thus, the Arabs believe that every warrior can live in the desert for 3 days, eating 1 date, first eating the pulp, then the skin, and on the 3rd day, the ground pit. Regular consumption of these fruits reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and slows down the aging process.

One of the resorts of Elche in Spain is famous for its park of date palms (since 2000 the park has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List), about 300 thousand of which are planted here; dates are harvested here regularly.

Roystonea Palm

Royal Palm ( Roystonea) - has a chic appearance corresponding to its name, standing out from its surroundings and landscape. The height of the tree can reach 40 m, the trunk is smooth gray, at its top there is a crown of huge feathery leaves up to 8 m long and 2 m wide. The plant is monoecious: male and female flowers are located on the same tree below the crown.

Roystoneea has 17 species, distributed in the southern states of the USA, Central and South America, and the West Indies. The most popular species are the Cuban palm ( Roystonea regia) and the royal vegetable palm, from which the edible succulent apical buds, called "palm cabbage", are collected.

Roystones are planted as decorative decoration along boulevards and avenues in cities of the tropical region, along the edges of beaches, they are often used for decoration in landscape design.

Everything that grows on the Roystone palm tree is successfully used by humans: the trunks are used in construction, the leaves and fibers are used to make roofing and wickerwork, the fruits are happily eaten by livestock, and palm oil is produced from the seeds.

Bismarckia noble

Family of Bismarck ( Bismarckia nobilis) includes the only species that is also called the Bismarck palm, named after the 1st Chancellor of Germany. This drought-resistant tree has an original appearance and color and is widely distributed on the island of Madagascar.

The petioles grow from a single grey-yellow-brown trunk with ring-shaped depressions (45 to 80 cm in diameter at the base). In nature, palm trees grow up to 12-25 m tall. Beautiful silver-blue round leaves reach 3 m, dividing into segments at the ends. The petioles are 2-3 m long, protected by spines and covered with white wax.

The plant is dioecious, the flowers grow on dark purple stems, the fruits are brown, ovoid, up to 48 cm long, and there is a drupe inside with one seed. Bismarckia leaves are used to make roofing and wickerwork, and the bitter-tasting sago is prepared from the core.

This palm tree can be successfully grown at home; it looks impressive in the interior and is easy to care for.

Decorative and indoor palm trees

Palm trees are perfect for lovers of exotic plants, since growing them at home does not present any difficulties in caring for them. In the countries of the European region and Russia, ornamental palm trees take root best in winter gardens and greenhouses, where a suitable microclimate can be created for them, because the plant is, after all, southern and heat-loving.

The plant propagates by seeds, which can be found in specialized flower shops. The most common types that can be grown in apartments and houses:

Date palm, often grown from seed, can grow up to 2 m at home, forming a lush crown over a shaggy trunk.
Dracaena has been used for landscaping houses and apartments for several 10 years, it is propagated by seeds and cuttings, the leaves are light or dark green, less often striped, and can form several trunks.
Areca - has a flexible trunk, decorated with feathery leaves a meter long.
Trachycarpus - decorative look palm trees with an original bottle-shaped trunk and fan-shaped leaves, blooms with white and yellow flowers with a pleasant smell, blue-black fruits.
Howea Fostera is a popular species, easy to care for, little susceptible to attack by pests and diseases, dark green leaves, etc.

Caring for a palm tree in an apartment

The most important rule when growing ornamental palm trees at home is to create high humidity and proper lighting. If the air in the apartment is dry due to winter heating, the plants must be frequently sprayed and watered with distilled or filtered water: in the summer months - 2-3 times a week, in the winter - daily.

Every year, a young palm tree needs to be replanted, choosing a more spacious pot; older trees - less often. Plants and their roots are afraid of drafts, so it is not recommended to place the tubs on the windowsill or floor. Many types of palm trees do not tolerate direct sunlight, preferring bright and diffused lighting.

However, at home, all plants only bloom, and the rare fruits that set never ripen. Thus, it will not be possible to find out what grows on the palm tree, but the exotic green beauty in a tub in the middle of the house will create a cozy tropical corner and a positive emotional atmosphere.

From generation to generation, people pass on signs and superstitions associated with various phenomena in human life. With their help, people could predict the future and make the right choice in a given situation.

There are many interesting signs regarding house plants

There are many comments related to indoor plants. If you have any doubts about whether you can keep a palm tree at home, signs will help you find the answer.

Strength and energy

The energy potential of this tree was noticed in ancient times and was actively used in various rites and rituals. In Egypt, he is considered the incarnation of the sun God Ra, in the countries of the Middle East - a symbol of the Sun, youth and vital energy.

According to eastern teaching Feng Shui, this plant is able to absorb positive energy from the surrounding world, after which it “broadcasts” it back. It is believed that the repository of this power is the tree trunk. In Eastern culture, traditions have emerged to engage in various spiritual and breathing practices (such as yoga, qigong, Pilates) next to a palm tree.

Types of palm trees and superstitions

There are many types of this magical plant. Each of them has its own power and influence on the world around us, own signs. The most common are:

date;
Belmore's Howea;
cat palm;
Rapis Alicia, etc.

Calathea - a symbol of calm

This flower has an unusual appearance and is a symbol of family happiness and tranquility. It can be a good gift for a lonely girl who is looking for her soulmate. Calathea also destroys negative energy in the house. It is advised to choose a place for her on the eastern or south-eastern side of the house, because only there she can reveal her strength.

This flower enters into energetic interaction with its owner. Calathea helps him become more self-confident and forms strong character, so the plant is given to Aquarius.

It is worth noting that this type of palm tree is incompatible with such zodiac signs as:

Leo (negatively affects a person’s internal balance);
Aries (violates the internal and external comfort of the sign);
Twins.

Date palm

In ancient times, this plant bore the name Tamara and was of great importance for people: it fed them and provided materials for weaving baskets and building houses. Because of the value of this species, some girls began to be named after it in order to transfer the energetic power of the palm tree to the child.

The date palm is a real source of energy and is able to charge its owners with it. The plant is most suitable for:

people prone to laziness, lethargy and melancholy;
suffering from chronic fatigue or depression;
older people.

The plant is best suited for offices and living rooms and does not require special care. It is advisable to place the pot with the palm tree on the south side of the house, as it loves the sun's rays.

Date tree - source of energy

Palm tree in feng shui

There are superstitions that the growth of a tree directly affects its energy. In Feng Shui, it is advised to regularly replant the palm tree into a larger pot, and it should be placed in a spacious place. Such conditions are necessary for the active development of the plant’s energy potential.

It is worth paying attention to the color of palm leaves, because it can indicate the state of the aura of the house.

If the leaves are light, then calm and comfort reign in the house. But if the leaves have darkened, a negative force has appeared in the house, with which the plant is fighting.

To harmonize the space, a pot with a palm tree should be kept in:

living room;
dining room;
hallway;
office.

Conclusion

There are signs and superstitions among the people that tell us how to properly keep a palm tree at home. There are several types of this plant, each of them has its own effect on the surrounding space. It is worth paying attention to the temperament of the person for whom you are buying a palm tree as a gift, since compatibility in this case significantly affects the harmony of the person and the aura of the house.

The benefits of palm trees and their products

The benefits brought by palm trees to the natives of equatorial countries are extremely great and varied. Many palm fruits, especially the coconut of the East and the peach nut (Guilelma speciosa) of America, provide abundant and nutritious food to man. The entire trunk of the sago palm produces an edible, starchy product - our sago. The fruits of other palm trees produce a juicy mass, although in too small a quantity to serve directly as food, but if ground and mixed in sufficient proportion with water, it produces an extremely pleasant and nutritious drink. Of these drinks, the “assai” of the Amazon River is especially famous, prepared from the fruits of the palm tree Euterpe oleracea and consumed as a refreshing, nutritious, somewhat stimulating drink, replacing our coffee or chocolate in a tropical country. And other palm trees bear similar fruits, of which very many, not consumed by humans, are greedily eaten by various animals, so that, generally speaking, the amount of nutritional material brought by the palm family is much greater than is commonly thought.

The juice flowing from the cut stalks of many palm trees, slightly fermented, turns into palm wine, or “toddy,” a very pleasant drink; if you mix it with bitter herbs and roots that delay fermentation, you get a good substitute for beer. If you boil this liquid and let it evaporate, you get a lot of good sugar. Arenga saccharifera, or the sugar palm of the Malay countries, is ahead of all in this respect. One single tree of this palm yields several quarts of sap daily for many weeks, and where there is a lot of it, this juice serves as the most common drink and favorite delicacy of the natives. The Dutch chemist De Vry, who studied this matter in Java, became convinced that the culture of this palm, used instead of sugar cane, would bring great benefits. According to his research, the same amount of good sugar can be obtained from the sugar palm as from cane, but with much less labor and money, since its cultivation does not require either fertilizer or cultivation, and the soil would not be depleted far from it. as quickly as is the case with sugarcane cultivation. The reason for this is that with cane, the entire harvest is completely taken away from the soil, because its crushed stems are used as combustible material; In this way, the soil is deprived of many salts and, in general, mineral nutrients that are part of both stems and leaves. Their loss must ultimately be replenished with fertilizer, and this adds a very significant overhead to the costs of planting, weeding and other work. On the contrary, the sugar palm uses only its sap; the leaves fall off, rot, and thus return to the soil everything taken from it. And since the water and sugar of which the sap is composed are obtained chiefly from the carbonic acid and water vapor of the atmosphere, there can be no depletion of the soil, and the plantation of sugar palms can be used indefinitely in the same place. Other, also very important advantage the sugar palm is that it grows on poor rocky soil, on steep slopes and cliffs, in places where, generally speaking, proper cultivation would be impossible; therefore, vast expanses of fertile land could be used for other purposes. In addition, the work of caring for such palm plantations is very simple and requires little time. All these advantages taken together may lead to the fact that in the future all the sugar for world trade will be supplied by almost completely barren soil, and it is very desirable that experiments of this kind should be carried out as soon as possible in one of our tropical colonies, especially that one Indian palm, Phoenix silvestris, which also produces a large amount of sugar, can be tried in its homeland.

To others food products Supplied by palm trees include coconut and baccab oil, salt extracted from the fruit of the South American palm Leopoldinia major, and the young shoots or “palm cabbage” of many types of palms, a very good nutritious dish; therefore, we can say that palm trees provide bread, butter, sugar, salt, fruits and vegetables to humans. In addition, some species, especially the famous oil palm of West Africa, yield oil for various other purposes, and wax is extracted from the leaves of some South American palms. The resin known in the trade as "dragon's blood" is extracted from one rattan palm, betel nuts, which are so readily chewed by the Malays as a mild stimulant and are to them what opium is to the Chinese, tobacco to us, and to the South Americans. - Coca leaves are nothing more than the fruits of the areca palm. Palm leaves are indispensable for covering roofs; where there are many of them, the roofs are covered exclusively with them; leaf petioles, often 15-20 feet long, go to rafters or, fastened with staples, to doors, bolts, partitions, and walls of entire houses. They are surprisingly light and strong and consist of a strong core and hard bark. By splitting and fastening them together, it is possible to make various boxes, boxes, baskets, etc., which, being covered with leaves of one species of pandanus, are convenient, durable and elegant. Ropes and ropes are woven from the fibers bordering the leaves of sugar and other palm trees; thin laces of excellent quality, suitable even for bow strings, fishing lines and for weaving hammocks, are made from the young leaves of some American species.

Coconut palm – Cocos nucifera

The fibrous leaf sheaths of the coconut palm are so strong and fabric-like that they find a wide variety of uses: they are used to make sieves, various wrappers and very good hats. The large, woody, bracted vaginal leaves (spathae) of larger palms are used as natural baskets, cradles, even as kitchen utensils in which you can safely boil water. Palm trunks make good fence posts, and split trunks make excellent floorboards. Some palms are used for making bows, others for blowguns; Needles and fishhooks are made from small palm thorns, and arrows are made from larger ones. If we wanted to describe the uses of palm trees and their products in different countries of the world, we would have to write a whole book. But, I think, even on the basis of the above, one can form a fairly complete idea of what an outstanding role fell to the lot of this noble family, whether palms are considered only as details of the luxurious vegetation of the tropics or in their relation to morals, customs, lifestyle and well-being natives.

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