TREE FACTS
MIAMI PALMETTO

Matt Nielson
Owner and President, Green Groves, LLC

Miami Palmetto
Sabal Miamiensis

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If you aren’t a botanist, you may not know that a palm tree is technically NOT a tree but more closely related to grass. For most of us, we think of palm trees as an indicator of the beach: crashing waves, our toes in the sand, and a cold drink in our hand. The Sabal Palmetto adorns the South Carolina state flag and favorite fruits like coconuts and dates come from different palm species.

Celebrating the rich diversity of palms is a lifestyle at the Montgomery Botanical Center just south of Miami, Florida. They have 430 species present there of the over 2500 palm species in the world including a very rare palm called the Miami Palmetto. Once a frequent occurrence in the Miami area, the plant was destroyed in the rapid development of the city and is now being bred for re-introduction to the landscape.

So, the next time you find yourself somewhere tropical, consider the palms – a rich array of plants that tolerate salt spray, tropical storms, and help set the stage for a tropical paradise experience. Want a piece of paradise in your own yard? Choose a palm commonly used in landscaping and select the variety that meets the sunlight requirements and cold tolerances of your location.