Brahea dulcis

Common names

Rock Palm, Desert Palm, Sombrero Palm.

Curiosities

Fruits are edible, as indicated by the species name dulcis, and important in the diet of Mexican Indies. Trunks area used for the construction of huts, and leaves are plait for the roofs. The leaves fibres, which are highly resistant, are used to make ropes.

Origin

Mexico (Colima, Coahulia, Leon, Jalisco, ...), Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua.

Habitat

Hills both in oak forests and dry open areas with a calcareous rocky soil. Between 300 and 1700 m above sea level.

Morphology

Either a solitary or a clumping palm, with erect or leaning trunks. Petioles are spiny and leaves are deeply divided, somehow costapalmate, green or light green. Fruits are green or brown.

Climate

Tropical to temperate. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –4ºC (24.8ºF, USDA Zone 9a).

Germination

Growing

Can be grown in sun or shade, but gets a better colour in sun. A rather slow grower, but a long-lived palm in well-drained soil.