Christmas palm (Veitchia merrillii)

Is that a relative of the Royal Palms we have in FL? The top looks similar with that shiny green trunk, but I've never seen such colorful seed pods like these!

No relative... not sure how often you see seeding Adonidias in Florida, but sure do in Hawaii. I think you would in Miami, too. Much smaller tree.. usually only 15' tall... maybe up to 20'.

Those are much too short to be Royal Palms. I don't think I've ever seen the Christmas palms around here. And I try to stay out of Miami as much as possible. Went there once near the airport for a seminar and passed through on the way to the Everglades but that's about it.

What a unique palm! Those are seed pods? Very interesting!

They look like edible... but then again, I´m atracted by fruits like a bird, and this way I´ve found out that many atractive fruits aren´t edible for humans by the harsh way :^P

You are much more adventurous than I would be, Monocromatico. If in doubt, I pass on it.

Heh, I don´t recomend it at all, though... but that way I founf out that several cacti, bromeliads, fig trees and a weird plant called "Chrysobalanus icaco" have delicious fruits :^)

... and that the fruits of the Cannon Ball Tree may kill you if you are allergic to oxalate. Thank God I´m not.

People, never taste any fruit you don´t know.

Just returned from Barbados and saw this palm. I had my photo taken with it. Do you think it is the Christmas palm that you refer to here?

yes

Thanks Bob..I saw many amazing palm trees there..

Could you tell me the name of this palm? I was told it was called a Fan palm..but when I searched the Database I got photos of a different tree.

Cheers,

This is Ravenalla madagascariensis. Not really a palm, it´s more like a giant Brid of Paradise.

An elegant palm, very common in South Florida, the fruits ripen in December, hence the common name Christmas Palm.

Starzz, look at http://plantsdatabase.com/go/2068/index.html

Thanks to all of you for your comments. Monocromatico I put the Ravenalla Mada..........in Google search and saw lots of info and phtos.

Ulrich I followed the link ..thanks.

I am always learning, with the help of all of you here on DG.

Cheers,
Carol