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For years I have wondered why palms are not present in all homes where house plants are enjoyed. I have about come to the conclusion that price and a general misunderstanding about these wonderful plants are the main culprits. The price for a developed palm plant can be quite staggering. Even the smallest palm in a five gallon container can cost around twenty-five to fifty bucks. A mature tree palm delivered to your home can cost from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

A misconception about palms is that they will only grow in the tropics and deserts. While it is true that many of the over three thousand species of palms do thrive in these hot humid areas, it is also true that some are quite cold hardy and with some degree of protection can be raised in areas where it freezes. And it is very true that almost every palm makes a good houseplant although some of the tree types will eventually out grow their limited surroundings.

Another unknown about palms it that they can be easily raised from seed at a cost of less than a dollar each. They require little maintenance and add beauty and value to your home.

Here is a selection of my favorite palms. I hope you will try a few.

P11 SILVER SAW PALM. acoelorrhaphe wrightii.
A palm widely used in Florida for street decoration. It grows to a height of 20 ft. It has a slender trunk covered with brown fibers. The leaves are fan shaped and a light green with a silver back. The seeds germinate quickly and easily. This is good outdoor palm for mild climate areas.
10 seeds $2.25

P16 QUEEN PALM. syagrus romanzoffiana.
An excellent palm from Brazil. It withstands a wide range of climates and can be raised outside in northern areas if protection is given. The first simple leaves of this palm can be up to 3 ft. long. It will grow up to 60 ft. outside. The trunk is long and slender and will bear distinctive old leaf scars that accents its tropical look. The leaves are long and curving. Can be raised as a houseplant inside.
10 seeds $2.25

P18 TRAVELLER'S PALM . ravenala madagascariensis.
A very large plant with large leathery leaves that reach 60 ft. tall or more when mature. Rather easy to raise inside or out.
5 seeds $2.25

P20 PONYTAIL PALM. beaucarnia stricta.
One of the most widely raised palms in the world. Very easy from seeds. Has the familiar swollen trunk and grass like leaves. The perfect houseplant.
5 seeds $2.25

P24 BUTTERFLY PALM. (GOLDEN CANE PALM).areca lutescens.
This is probably the most widely sold palm in the world. It is sold as a potted plant throughout the world. It is a fast growing clumping palm with pale green feather shaped leaves and slender trunks. It is best suited as a house palm and the seeds should be planted together to form a clump. Seeds germinate quickly. Plant needs plenty of sunlight.
10 seeds $2.25

P28 CANARY ISLAND DATE PALM. phoenix canariensis.
From the Canary Islands off the Coast of Africa, this palm is widely grown as an ornamental tree. It is tolerant of cold and drought and can be easily raised from seeds if given heat. Outside, it will grow up to 60 ft. with a 3 ft. diameter trunk. Inside, its growth can be regulated by the size of container it is raised in. It has a distinctive spiky, architectural appearance that is a must for any home. It bears 2 in. long fruit that is orange when ripe. The old leaf scars on the trunk form diamond shaped patterns.
10 seeds $2.25

P30 PARLOR PALM. neantha bella.
Grown throughout the world as a houseplant. Easy to care for with few requirements. Leaves are leathery, pinnate.
10 seeds $2.50

P35 EDIBLE DATE PALM. phoenix dactylifera.
This palm is grown commercially throughout the Middle East for its delicious and abundant fruit. It can be easily grown indoors. Outside, it will grow to a height of 80 ft. with a 12" trunk that is coverer with attractive leaf scars. The leaves are feather shaped with a beautiful gray-green coloration. It is a fast grower. Everyone should have one of these plants.
10 seeds $2.25

P41 SABAL PALMETTO. sabal palmetto.
The Florida state tree. This is an attractive palm whose use is mostly outside as lawn decoration. It grows to 80 ft. tall with stiff, green costapalmate leaves. Has a smooth trunk that will reach 18" in diameter. Very easy to grow from seeds. It can be raised inside, but it will require much bright light.
10 seeds $2.25

P49 KING PALM ( ALEXANDER PALM ) archontophoenix alexandrae.
A common sight in the tropics and subtropics. This is a majestic palm with huge silvery-green leaves and a light gray trunk, often swollen at the base. Bears cream colored flowers and can be raised inside if given high heat and humidity. Seeds germinate within a few weeks. Outside, the tree will reach a height of 60 ft.
10 seeds $2.25

P50 CHRISTMAS PALM, Veitchia merrillii.
This palm resembles a miniature Royal Palm. It has a smooth trunk swollen at the base and feather shaped large leaves that are usually twisted. This palm is getting to be very popular in homes and is used in many shopping malls and public places. Easy to grow from seeds and makes a good container plant for inside the home. Why is it called the Christmas Palm? Because of its beautiful 1" bright red fruits that appear in December.
4 seeds $2.50

P52 JELLY PALM. BUTEA CAPITATA.
A small palm with a short, stout trunk and bluish grey leaves. The orange fruits are edible and widely used to make a delicious jelly, thus the name.
2 seeds $2.50

P55 PYGMY DATE PALM. phoenix roebelenii.
This is a palm that truly everyone should have. It makes a great houseplant or lawn ornament. It only grows to 10 ft. ( smaller in containers ) and forms a perfect miniature palm. It has a slim, solitary trunk with soft feathery green leaves. The seeds germinate easily ( usually within six to eight weeks ) and the plant requires little maintenance or attention. Tolerates low light and abuse. This palm is a must for any deck.
10 seeds $2.25

P60 MEXICAN CYCAD. Dioon edule.
Not a true palm, but a cycad much like the "Sago Plam" in appearence. An extremely attractive specimen for the home or greenhouse. Seeds are quite hard to come by.
3 seeds $3.50

P63 PANAMA HAT PALM. carludovica palmata.
Again, not a true palm although you wouldn't know by its appearance. It has handsome pleated fan shaped leaves that appear in tiers in a spiral arrangement. Leaves are used in hat production. A very special plant.
5 seeds $2.50

P65 ROYAL PALM. ROYSTONEA REGIA
A very beautiful palm that is grown in many countries. Outside it will grow to 80' with a whitish, bulged trunk and leaves often reaching 3 feet or more.
5 seeds $2.50

P68 CHINESE WINDMILL PALM. TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI.
A hardy fan palm that can stand cold to 15 degrees and also makes a good container plant inside. Fibre covered trunk and fan shaped leaves reaching to 3 ft. across. Easy to grow from seed.
5 seeds $2.50

P75 MEXICAN FAN PALM. ( SKY DUSTER ) washingtonia robusta.
This is the palm shown in the backgrounds of television shows shot in Los Angeles. It is a tall thin palm that grows to great heights very quickly. Outside, it can reach a height of 100 ft. or more. Remarkably, it also makes a great inside plant. Has fan shaped small green leaves and bears dark, glossy red seeds. It is drought tolerant and can be easily moved at any age.
10seeds $2.25

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