Hobbies And Interests
Cabbage Palm
The Cabbage palm, or Sabal, is the most common Palmetto palm. It grows between 32 and 85 feet in height, and up to 24 inches in trunk diameter. There is no variation in width of trunk from the base to the top of the tree. The palm grows flowers in drooping clusters; the flowers are white, creamy or yellowish in color. It has a round, bulbous root with tapering thinner roots that can penetrate up to 20 feet beneath ground level.
Frond Description
The Cabbage palm has large, fan-shaped leaves which consist of thin strips of foliage. These leaves are actually edible when they are young. Each frond is flexible, but strong and the leaves are quite thick. The fronds do not have a spine and can reach up to 9.8 feet in length. It is quite a resilient plant as it is highly resistant to saltwater spray and brackish water. Therefore, it is common to find palmetto palms around lagoons, beach dunes or barrier islands.
Reproduction
Palmettos reproduce through insect pollination. The palm produces a black, fleshy fruit that contains a brown seed. These are ingested by insects and dispersed through their feces. The fruit develops through fall and ripens in winter. Since the seeds are buoyant and salt water resistant, they can be carried in the sea. Consequently, seeds get washed up onto beaches and germinate. The moist sand provides an ideal environment for the seeds to grow.
Symbolism
Palmetto fronds have been symbolic of many events throughout history. For example, fanning fonds was symbolic of victory in Roman times. Fronds also have religious connotations. Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem by fanning palmetto fronds -- hence the name "Palm Sunday." Plus, the Muslims used fronds before the minaret was introduced to the mosque. However, nowadays the fronds are reserved for more decorative purposes.