Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Arecaceae
Botanical Name
Allagoptera arenaria
Plant Common Name
Seashore Palm
General Description
One of the most salt and drought tolerant palms, Allagoptera arenaria, or seashore palm, is a beautiful tropical palm from the coastal regions of Brazil. Based on fossil records, it is also regarded as the most ancient of palms, a predecessor to all others. It maintains a relatively small size, so it is suitable for dune stabilization, landscapes and containers.
Long pinnate (feather-like) leaves emerge directly from an underground stem and at many angles giving it a fluffy, mounded look. Occasionally, the stems emerge slightly above ground and may split resulting in two "heads." The fronds have split-tip leaflets which are clustered together and have a feathery, fluffy appearance. They are dark green above and silver beneath. No spines or thorns are present. Seashore palms bear male and female flowers on the same plant. They are small, yellow-green and grouped tightly together on spikes which rise from a woody, paddle-shaped spathe (sheath covering) held among the leaves. The fruits are edible, tasty, round and orange.
Seashore palm is not common in subtropical landscapes in the United States but deserved more attention. It grows best in full sun and sandy, poor soil with very good drainage. It is drought tolerant once established, but best growth occurs with regular applications of water. It is marginally cold tolerant and will withstand a few degrees below freezing for several hours. Seashore palm is very slow-growing and susceptible to lethal yellows. Still, mature specimens are stunning and shimmer in the sun. Allagoptera arenaria is great for hedge barriers, Oceanside plantings and coastal gardens and tropical landscapes.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H2, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Palm or Cycad
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Width
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Brazil
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Salt
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Growth Rate
Very Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow Green
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Fruit Color
Orange
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Silver
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
