| Climate Zone | 9b |
| Min Temp | 25 to 30 F / -4 to -1 C |
| Leaf Type | Pinnate |
| Height | 25 Ft / 7.6 M |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Conservation Status |
Vulnerable
|
Pseudophoenix sargentii
Cherry Palm, Buccaneer Palm
Sizes
- 1 gallon
About Pseudophoenix sargentii
This is a solitary palm with a robust, gray trunk that often appears slightly swollen at the base, giving it a distinctive bottle-like form. It has a short, smooth, waxy, and bluish to silvery green crownshaft on younger palms, which transitions to dark yellow-green on older specimens. The crown has arching leaves, each with stiff, narrow leaflets that range from deep green to slightly glaucous, giving a subtle silvery sheen. Its inflorescences emerge just below the leaves and are branched, producing small creamy-white flowers that are pollinated by insects. The small round fruit turns from bright red when ripe, adding a striking ornamental feature. This species is native to coastal areas of the Caribbean, where it has adapted to withstand salty winds and sandy soils. It grows easily but slowly in cultivation, a situation which has contributed to the destructive practice transplanting wild specimens to gardens and landscapes.
Cultivation Tips
Plant in a location that received full sun to partial shade. It is widely adaptable to different soils, but prefers a well draining alkaline base. This species is very drought, salt and wind tolerant and it does well in any warm temperate or tropical climates. It does not require constant feeding, so fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a high quality palm fertilizer.
