Features:
Common name: Dwarf palmetto
Family: Webbed
Origin: Caribbean, Dominican Republic, South USA
Height at maturity: 2 meters
Hardiness: -20°C
Exposure: sunny to partial shade
Plant type: palm
Vegetation: perennial
Foliage: evergreen
Flowering: summer
Flower color: white, cream
Soil type: all types
Watering: keep the soil moist
Use: in a pot, veranda or in the garden
Diseases and pests: spider mites and scale insects
Toxicity: poisonous fruits
Storage of seeds: 2 years in a dry place away from light at 3/4°C (refrigerator)
Description:
Sabal minor is one of the most cold-hardy species of the palm family. It can survive temperatures of -20°C.
The stipe (trunk) is solitary and measures a maximum of 2 meters in height with a diameter of 20 centimeters. The sabal minor is one of the smallest palms, it is part of the dwarf palm family.
The crown consists of 5-10 leaves of circular shapes, 1.5-2 meters wide, dark green in color, slightly gray on top and glaucous below. The leaves are composed of 15 to 60 rigid segments. The petiole (stem) is green and measures 0.5 to 1 meter, smooth and robust.
The inflorescences appear between between the leaves, they are sparsely branched, erect and protrude beyond the crown of leaves. They bear many globular black fruits.
The Sabal minor grows in moist soils, often along rivers and in sometimes flooded areas. Sometimes even in swampy areas. It grows in semi-shaded undergrowth areas. It supports most soil types. It supports rather badly the violent winds which tend to break its fins.
From an aesthetic point of view, it is interesting to cultivate this species in groups of 2 or 3 subjects in the garden.
