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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
low, medium
Salinity/ppm :
very high (20000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
palms
Height
:
15 m-34 m
Spread
:
3 m-4 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
pale orange
Size
:
200 cm
Period
:
May - June
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
drupe (leathery/
fibrous)
Fruit size
:
0.7 cm
Mexican Fan Palms originate from the western Sonora Desert and Baja California. This species
develops a more slender trunk than Washingtonia filifera, and may grow remarkably higher, to
a maximum height of 34 metres. Additionally, the crown is narrower 3 to 4 metres in diameter.
The leaves consist of a toothed petiole to 1 metre in length and a roundish blade that does not
reveal many fibres when split by strong winds. Dead leaves drop off leaving a grey bark, but often
they are cut off earlier and the leaf base may last for several years. In summer, the inflorescences
may reach 3 metres in length, with an abundance of pale-orange flowers. The ripe drupes are
almost black and can be eaten, although they are not worth the effort compared with true dates.
The palms love the sun and take poor soils and some drought when established. They resist frost
and desiccating winds as may occur in Arriyadh, and the city always has many good specimens
on display. They grow quickly if watered and occasionally supplied with fertiliser. Mexican Fan
Palms are popular street trees with very low maintenance requirements, and never exceed the
designated width. They can be grown in containers and make attractive tufts if grouped. Sowing
is the only feasible way to propagate these palms. The seeds should not be stored for long, since
their high fat content results in infertility when they turn rancid. They are best soaked in water
for one or two days.
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Washingtonia robusta,
Arecaceae
Mexican Fan Palm