Palm Trees
From PlantWiki
| American Boxwood |
|---|
|
| Species |
| Trachycarpus |
Contents |
History
Palm trees have been around an unbelievably long time. According to fossil records, palms were growing as early as 80 million years ago, which makes them among the earliest flowering plants. 60 million years ago, palms were growing in many parts of the world, including areas where they no longer occur, such as northern North America and northern Europe.
Characteristics
Palms vary greatly in size. The largest reach over 150 feet tall, whereas there are numerous dwarf species that may grow only 12” high. Most palms are a straight, unbranched stem. They have large evergreen leaves that are either “fan-leaved” or “feather-leaved” and arranged in a spiral at the top of the trunk. The leaves have a tubular sheath at the base that usually splits open on one side when it is grown. The flowers grow on an inflorescence (a characteristic arrangement of flowers on a stem). The flowers are generally small and white, and are star-shaped. Palm trees thrive in sandy, well-drained soils and love full sun.
Uses
Apart from the well-known coconut and date, there are other kinds of food from palms. Palm oil, Sago, heart of palm and palm wine are all consumed in different parts of the world. South Carolina is nicknamed the Palmetto State, after the palmetto logs which were used to build the fort at Fort Moultrie. During the American Revolutionary War, their spongy wood helped deflect the British cannonballs. Windmill Palm Trees are also a very popular alternative in colder climates.
Coir is a coarse, water-resistant fiber from the outer shell of coconuts. It is used in doormats, brushes, mattresses, and ropes. Dragon's blood is a resin used in dyes, varnishes and incense, can come from the fruit of the rattan. The betel nut is often chewed in eastern Asia as a mild drug. Palm leaves are also valuable to some peoples as a material for thatching or clothing. Other uses include the manufacture of syrup and juice, vinegar, chutney, medicine, fuel, furniture, jewelry and construction materials.