Palms For California

Pronunciation: uh-RENG-uh pin-NAH-tuh

Common Name: Sugar Palm

Arenga pinnata is an enormous, pinnate palm from the Philippines, Sumatra, Vietnam and Indosesia which has some decent cold tolerance far beyond that needed to survive in its native lands. Good palm for low-wind coastal areas where there is plenty of room. Best to plant near vehicular access since it is a relatively short-lived, monocapric species that will likely require a crane to remove once it dies. Well grown specimens are extremely ornamental and awe-inspiring.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary Height: 50 feet Trunk: single, 1' thick and covered with fibrous matte and 1'+ long, thin but not very strong or sharp spines that radiate outward and upward Spread: 15'-25' Leaf description: pinnate, very long, upright-oriented, slightly plumose leaves with dark green, premorse, closely spaced leaflets about 2'-3' long; undersides silvery; leaf shape a wide 'V' in cross section (not flat); new leaves open a rust coloration Petiole: 12"-18" and well rounded with flattish dorsal surface; nearly 2" in diameter Reproduction: monoecious and monocarpic Inflorescence: short stem but long arching branches, arising from bases of lower leaves first, and working way up to top of palm; palm dies after top-most infructescence matures; flowers dark purplish and hang like heavy, densely beaded ropes Fruit: deep green to yellow as ripen; fruits 5-8cm and spherical; toxic oxalates Seed: 3cm and spherical

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 28F Drought Tolerance: poor Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: poor Salt Tolerance: poor Growth Rate: moderate to fast with age Soil Preference: moist and rich/ well draining, but somewhat tolerant of clay soils Light Requirement: full sun Human Hazards: toxic fruits; spines mildly dangerous- more to eyes than skin; leaves very heavy- careful below when pruning Disease or Horticultural Problems: relatively short-lived; looks ratty in windy climates and even worse if low humidity winds Indoor?: poor choice due to size, light requirements and rough, scratchy foliage Transplanting: unknown, but suspect low tolerance