Palm trees are amazing and make a perfect addition to the landscape. Thus, when it comes to gardening and landscaping, palm trees are often a preferred choice among the property owners of Davenport. If you are also a palm tree lover, planning to have palm trees on your lawn, or already have them in your backyard, you might find the following facts about palm trees fun and insightful.
- Though Palm trees give a contemporary vibe, they are ancient!
Yes, palm trees are ancient flora as their history is at least as old as the Mesopotamian civilization. At that time, palm trees were used to fulfill various essential needs, such as food, tool construction, dwellings, and shade from the hot desert sun.
It is said that had it not been the date palm, the human population could not have existed in hot and barren parts of the world. They nurtured beings by offering concentrated energy food, which could be easily carried around during long journeys across hot climates.
- All parts of a palm tree have a useful purpose!
The white flesh of coconut palm seeds can be eaten raw or used in cooking. It is also used to extract coconut oil which is widely used in various processed foods. The fresh liquid inside a coconut is enriched with nutrients and imparts a refreshing feel when you drink it fresh.
The husk of the coconut is very beneficial as garden potting mixes. On the other hand, date palms produce sweet dates that are highly nutritious and eaten around the world.
The fronds of a palm tree can be used to thatch the roofs of houses, weave mats, rugs, and baskets, and in religious ceremonies.
The trunk of date and peach palms can be used for tool handles and veneers and tapped to extract rich syrup. The terminal buds are edibles, roots are medicinal, and their flowers can be used to make shoes and hats.
- The Tallest Palm Tree Can Grow Up To 197 Feet High!
The Quindio Wax Palm is the tallest species as it can grow 160 to 200 feet high. It is also the Columbia’s national tree and emblem as well. It is native to the tropical forests of the Andes of Columbia and Northern Peru and is considered crucial because it serves as a habitat for many fauna species, including the endangered Yellow-Eared Parrot.
- The Palm Symbolizes Life!
The branch of a palm is considered a symbol of victory, peace, and eternal life. The palm (Phoenix) was sacred in Mesopotamian culture while it represented immortality in ancient Egypt. As palms were commonly used by life-giving deities, they became a religious entity.
- Not All Plants Called Palms are Palms!
Palm trees belong to the Arecaceae plant family. However, many popular plants, such as the Yucca Palm and Sago Palm are not real palms because they are not a part of the Arecaceae family.
- The World’s Largest Plant Seed Is Made By a Palm Tree!
Coco de Mer palm tree is worldwide known to produce the largest seed which can weigh over 60 pounds and have a diameter up to 20 inches.
- Several Palm Species are on the Endangered List!
Even though there are more than 2,500 species of palm trees, up to 100 species are endangered. Unsustainable cultivation practices (gathering hearts of palms) and deforestation are the two biggest dangers for palm trees. Hyophorbe amaricaulis is the rarest palm tree as there is only one left which can be found at the Botanic Gardens of Curepipe in Mauritius.
Here, at Comprehensive Irrigation and Lawn Services, we offer palm tree care services in Davenport. We are well-versed with the care and maintenance of palm trees and know what steps can help them thrive better. If you need any help or advice with planting, watering, fertilizing, trimming, and pruning palm trees, just give us a call, and we will be happy to assist you.