Strange Palm Trees
Those Most Unusual Types of Plants

The Canary Island Date Palm is sometimes trimmed to make their trunk appear like a pineapple. Some think they look like that retro bathroom gear: Shaving Brushes.

But in some ways it's a sad case, as we always say: "It's a palm tree, not a sculpture."

More like a pineapple, or shaving brush?
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr - CC BY 4.0

One of these strange palm trees is an unusual palm named Hyophorbe verschaffeltii.

Known as the Spindle Palm. Because of one of the unique characteristics it has. Its slender trunk is amazing looking! Resembling a spindle. Or some say a spinning top.

Spindle Palm Line-Up

Among exotic palms the Hyophorbe lagenicaulis is a favorite palm, because of its unique characteristics.

Called the Bottle Palm. These strange palm trees have swollen trunks, resembling a bottle.

Very distinctive, with an eye-catching look. We think it looks like it grows its own palm container! Just gorgeous!

Bottle Palms Growing in Hawaii

One genus of palm tree, Caryota, has fronds that look like fish tails. That's why they're nicknamed for that.

Their frond structure is unique. There's about 12 species of palm trees in the Caryota genus.

A Clustering Fishtail Palm: Caryota mitis
AKA Burmese Fishtail Palm

One of the most unusual palms is Dypsis decaryi. Called the Triangle Palm because its triangular-shaped crown of fronds creates a stunning visual.

A favorite palm for many concerned with conservation. Many native seeds were retrieved from southeastern Madagascar, its origin.

Now a more common sight in the United States for instance, when grown by a palm tree company. One grows in an Orlando Florida park. Not suited to a small garden or cold climates.

If You Didn't Know Its Name,
You'd Probably Come Up With the Same: Triangle Palm!

Why the Madagascar Palm is a strange palm tree:

• Because of it's seed, which can put out two sprouts.
• Like it's producing paternal twins, coming from the same seed!

About to Start Sprouting Twin Palms - What??? - Credit: Zeeth at Palmpedia

• Although a pinnate, when a young palm, its fronds almost look palmate. It's deceiving us, because immature leaflets adhere to each other. 
• As a seedling, it has "windows" - no it doesn't have a PC! Those are openings between parts of some leaflets.

A View Through the Windows of the Alfredii Frond
Credit: John Case at Palmpedia

Some Palm Tree Species bring uniqueness to a whole new level.

Because of unusual, but in a way practical enhancements. Like this example: the Copernicia prunifera, commonly called the Carnauba Wax Palm.

This palm exudes a wax covering. It lays on both palmate leaf surfaces, thicker below.

Waxy palm leaves, especially the underside.
Photo: David J Stang - CC BY-SA 4.0

When you think of palm trees, images of tropical paradise & relaxation usually come to mind. But beneath their serene exterior lies some eerie & unsettling facts!

Will these spine-chilling details make you think twice about lounging under a palm tree?

Can Palms Have You Shivering With Fear?

We normally don't think of palms causing havoc for ecosystems.

But palm trees can be an invasive palm! Notorious for this are African Oil Palms.

Scientifically: Elaeis guineensis. As a large tree, it blocks out native palms & other tropical plants, disrupting natural habitats.

Growing swath of African oil palms. Photo: Marco Schmidt - CC BY-SA 4.0

How are palms a fire hazard?

Some palms don't do their own housekeeping! The California Fan Palm is found in many places throughout the United States Southwest.

Many are Landscape Palms in Los Angeles, for instance. Think of the raging fires that have happened there!

Some keep their dead fronds around for many years. These dead leaves can catch on fire, especially with dry, windy weather.

During lightning storms, a tall tree palm can ignite. With certain species of palm trees, fire can quickly spread and jump to nearby buildings.

That's why although most palms are low maintenance, it's good to regularly assess the need for Trimming Palm Trees. Reducing the risk of palms which don't Drop Their Dead Fronds, catching fire.

While palm trees add tropical beauty to property, think about these alternate possibilities!

Coconut Palms bend to reach more sunlight.

Other issues are the strange palm trees with fruit that continually drops to the ground.

Some can be quite messy. Consider that before Growing a Palm Tree.

Some palms have fruit that can be messy - needing a clean-up.
Photo: Yemisi Ogbe - CC BY-SA 4.0

Socratea exorrhiza is nicknamed the Walking Palm.

Can exotic palms like that really walk? It's what everybody asks! Will they stay in good condition if they go walking?

The first time you see it you'll wonder about its unique adaptation. You may think it's a mysterious, weird rare palm

Scientific Name: Socratea exorrhiza is often called the Walking Palm.
Very strange palm tree! Photo: Dick Culbert - CC BY 4.0.

The genus Phoenix has species that can attack you!! Stems & leaflets have sharp, ferocious spines. A few Phoenix species are the scariest!

• Phoenix loureiri is a little less scary. Commonly named Mountain Date Palm. A smaller variety with dark green leaflets with pointy sharp tips.

Those leaflet tips can pierce you -
just like a needle!
Photo: Alialb - CC BY-SA 4.0

• Phoenix paludosa is called the Mangrove Date Palm. As it enjoys swampy climes. Watch out for those spiky needles on the bases of pinnate leaves.

Phoenix paludosa looks like it needs more moisture!
See those prongs scattered along the stem?
Photo: MSH-Sourav - CC BY-SA 4.0

• Phoenix sylvestris has many common names. Like Toddy Palm, Sugar Date Palm, Wild Date Palm & Silver Date Palm. Petioles on its pinnate leaves are armed with spines.

See That Toddy Palm's Spiny Petiole Army?

Phoenix canariensis is named for the Phoenix Palm's Native Land. We've already mentioned this Canary Island Date Palm. Sometimes grown to look like a pineapple!

Very short petioles carry lengthy brutish spines.

Nasty spines at the petiole start are seen on this P.canariensis, destroyed by weevils. (One Euro Coin Placed to Sense the Size)
Photo: Kuchenkraut - CC BY-SA 4.0

Zombia antillarum grows In Hispaniola.

Struggling because of the destruction of its habitat. It's referred to as the Zombie Palm!

And it can attack, with the spiny rings around the trunk. Its name comes from the Haitian Creole language, where it means Ghost Palm - another scary thought! 

Be Scared! Be very, very Scared!!
Photo: David J Stang - CC BY-SA 4.0