Brahea armata

Common names

Blue Hesper Palm, Mexican Blue Palm, Sweet Brahea Palm.

Curiosities

Named after Tycho Brahe, Danish astronomist of the 17th century.

Origin

Mexico and U.S.A. (South California and New Mexico).

Habitat

Rocky canyons.

Morphology

A solitary palm with a massive grey trunk either covered with the scars of fallen leaves or smooth and covered with the dead leaves. Rigid palmate leaves with a light greyish-blue, hairy surface. Fruits brown.

Climate

Temperate. One of the most cold hardy palms, frost resistant. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –11.7ºC (10.9ºF, USDA Zone 8a).

Germination

Some seeds may germinate in a few weeks, but others make take one or even two years to germinate if temperature and humidity are not the appropriate.

Growing

Makes its best in full sun. The bluish colour of this palm is given by the waxy leaf surface that protects the plant from water loss. Seen as a slow grower, this palm grows satisfactorily under optimal conditions, becoming a commercial palm. Drought and frost resistant.