What Is The Tallest Palm Tree?
Palm trees are a staple in exotic landscapes around the world, being part of the family of tropical plants that can instantly give a setting a warm and holiday atmosphere. These plants bring with them beauty and a touch of the serenity that lies within nature. But above all, the most predominant aspect of palm trees is that, when it comes to the tallest of them all, some real giants exist.
The King of palms, or ‘the’ tallest palm tree in the world is the Mexican fan palm. This spectacular plant can reach heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters). The Mexican fan palm has been recorded as the tallest in natural growth and is found all over the world, including the warm climates of the Caribbean and Central America. But maybe just as remarkable, considering their stature, is their image.
The long, feathery leaves of the Mexican fan palm create an almost ethereal impression, making them a real eye-catcher in any surrounding or landscape. Up close, it is easy to see why this species are so admired. Every detail of the Mexican fan palm is as if designed to resemble an over sized hand fan, from its numerous fronds to its wide, arching leaf of the fan-shaped foliage.
Arguably, the most impressive attribute of the Mexican fan palm – apart from its monumental size – is its adaptability. Despite their preference for a warm climate and full sun, these palms can survive extreme cold and will often sprout up for the hardened of environments. And when rooted in an appropriate environment, their potential growth can reach heights most trees could never conceive.
So why is the Mexican fan palm considered the tallest? Fairly simple, its growth capacity is not only remarkable but also rapid. Unlike other palm species, such as the Royal Palm and the Foxtail Palm, the Mexican fan palm grows in a distinctive pyramidal shape sufficient enough to support its immense height. But, like most tall entries on the books, the Mexican fan palm is an endangered species, so one can understand why its specific characteristics are so greatly admired.
When it comes to cultivated palm trees, it is difficult to determine which variety is the tallest. One of the most popular selections amongst homeowners is the Canary Island date palm, its height usually ranging from 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters). Due to their external hardiness and overbearing size, Canary Island date palms are often found planted near sidewalks, streets and entrances.
It is difficult to get a precise measurement of the tallest palm tree that exists in the world, as natural growth is often hard to capture and cultivate palms, even if fast-growing, take much time to reach their so-called peak.
Palm Trees’ Life Cycle
A palm tree’s life cycle is broadly divided into three stages: juvenile, maturity, and senescence. During these stages, the palm tree’s primary purpose is to produce seeds, dates or oil to ensure the continuation of its species. However, it is in the stage of maturity when a palm tree is able to reach its full size potential.
The amount of time needed for a palm tree to go from seed to full size can be longer than some might assume; 15 years is the minimum for a palm tree to reach full height and circumference, depending on the species. It is worth noting that the palm tree’s height is constraint by the amount of water and nutrients the tree has access to. If an area’s water concentration is low, a palm tree’s growth will be naturally subdued.
To replace a full-grown palm tree can tale years, depending on the species. For such cases, a tall palm tree that is native to the region can be chosen, one that requires less maintenance and sustains the local environment. Alternatively, cultivars can be planted; as these are pruned and clipped, they grow significantly slower than their wild varieties.
When it comes to palm trees’ lifespan, a general rule is based on species, soil type and its external environment. In good conditions and with appropriate care, most palm species hold up over the years. The Mexican fan palm is no exception; this palm tree can last up to 150 years and is a great choice for landscapers looking for a sturdy, majestic palm.
What Effects Does Climate Have On Palm Trees?
The climate and weather of a region can have a great impact on the health of a palm tree. Certain species may require special attention, in order to thrive in areas with harsher climates. Hotter, drier, and desert climates are the most hostile and risky environments for Mexican fan palms. High heat and lack of water will quickly wear them down.
During colder months and in colder regions, most palm tree species will experience leaf-burn due to the low temperatures; however, other specimens do exist that can withstand mild winters. Summarily, when choosing a species of palm trees to plant, climate must be considered; while some species can stand a frosty-winter, such as the foxtail palm, others will have to migrate, such as the Chinese fan.
Common to all palm species, regardless of the climate, is their need for sunlight and humidity. As their photosynthesis is baked in the rays of the sun, preventing a direct abundance of this crucial factor is going to heavily affect the growth rate of your palm. And the same goes for humidity. Relative humidity is a great need for a palm to be healthy, thus its placement outdoors is key.
Through research and appropriate caution, planting any palm species is possible depending on where you are; most palms do well in subtropical and tropical regions, although with modern cultivation and progressive research, these plants can now thrive in colder regions and climates.
Maintenance Of Palm Trees
Maintaining a healthy palm tree requires several steps and procedures, but, overall, the same concept of ‘protect and nourish’ should be followed. Firstly, the main source of damage to a palm tree is overwatering; too much water can suffocate the roots, so irrigating regularly but with careful control is a must.
In addition, providing a solid fertilizer regime directly through its roots will not only encourage healthy growth but also make the trunk and fronds brighter, giving it a much more impressive look. By mulching, a bark-type material, around the base of the tree, water can be retained in the soil and the roots will be protected from frost and heat.
It is important that weeds and grass are not allowed to grow near the base of the tree; not only will these compete with the soil’s available nutrients but when these are removed, their brute strength can cause serious damage to the tree’s roots.
Climate also must be considered, if any damages occur due to extreme weather (i.e. high winds, excessive rain, snow, etc), the tree should be assessed and where necessary appropriate action taken.
Overall, a healthy and mature palm tree with the proper maintenance and appropriate placement can make any surrounding look exotic and unique. While some species, like the Mexican fan palm, can reach monumental sizes others, such as the Canary Island Date palm, can easily fit in any garden size.
The Danger Of Invasive Species To Palm Trees
The most common danger that all types of palms face is an invasive species of fungi or fungi-like organisms. This type of species multiplies rapidly and presents certain dangers to even the hardiest of palm species, usually in the form of root rot and basal rot. In more recent years, more dangerous fungi have started to appear.
The dreaded ‘lethal yellow’ fungus is one of the biggest issues to hit the palm tree community. This particular species is by far the biggest danger to palm tree fanciers and is particularly difficult to control once it has found its way into the environment. It damages the trunk and leaves of all palm species and produces a fruiting that shares an unnatural resemblance to an orange carrot.
To avoid any damage from these fungi and other similar organisms, regular checkups are necessary for your palm tree. Make sure to regularly inspect the tree for pest and fungi outbreak, and use insects and a fungicide in combination for regular prevention. Diseases, fungi and pests can be avoided with appropriate and careful control.
When it comes to keeping your Mexican fan palm, also known as the palm tree king, healthy, a combination of knowledge, caution, and regular maintenance is key. With the necessary care and attention, this fast-growing giant can thrive, bringing a serene beauty that can’t be found anywhere else.
