Attaleas are commonly referred to as "American Oil Palm", because in Latin America, the oil contained in the seeds is extracted for multi...Read Moreple uses, in a similar manner to Elaeis guineensis. It is important to keep in mind that multiple species will often have similar or occasionally, the same common name.
My experience is with Attalea cohune. Ironically, in addition to being called Oil Palm, is also known as the Rain Tree. Supposedly, this is due to the pendulous nature of the leaflets, which cling to petioles that appear to emerge straight from the ground- at least until the trunk develops, which takes many years. Attalea palms are such eye catching specimens- if you have the right climate, and a lot of patience, you will be pleased with the results.
This palm requires a very hot and humid climate in order to thrive. It is drought tolerant, but obviously you should provide regular irrigation to speed up it's growth. I've found it to be somewhat tolerant of temperatures in the 40's F for brief periods, but definitely it prefers hot days and humid damp conditions. There are some wonderful specimens at Miami's Fairchild Tropical Garden in Coral Gables.
Huge palms from the central to south American tropics- leaves up to 30' long and gently arching and twisting- wonderful specimen palms. ...Read MoreEven though they survive in California, tolerating frost at a young age, they are very slow here and not that great in hot, dry winds. These palms (ATtaleas in general) do great in Florida though where it's much hotter most of the year. There are NO trunking palms in So Cal, yet, and it is suspected that once the bud, where the new leaf comes from, finally reaches the surface, frost will kill this palm... that may be 20 or so years into the palm's life, though. These palms grow to over 90' tall in their native environment and stand out way above the surrounding jungles and forests in many locations- impressive sights!
Attaleas are commonly referred to as "American Oil Palm", because in Latin America, the oil contained in the seeds is extracted for multi...Read More
The American Oil Palm is Elaeis Oleifera. So the common name of this palm is an error.
Huge palms from the central to south American tropics- leaves up to 30' long and gently arching and twisting- wonderful specimen palms. ...Read More