Palms For California

Pronunciation: suh-BALL/SAY-bull YAH-puh

Common Name: Thatch Palmetto

Sabal yapa is a still rather rare but highly ornamental Sabal from Cuba, Mexico and Belize. It is a fairly fast growing species and has attractive bluish leaf undersides and very large, deeply split leaves. It is hardy enough for most palm enthusiasts, but is not one of the more cold hardy Sabals.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 15-20 fan leaves Height: 25' estimate Trunk: single; 8"-10" in diameter; usually covered with green, split leaf-bases (clean trunk with advanced age) Crownshaft: none Spread: 15' Leaf Description: strongly costapalmate; 9'-12' long; deeply split leaves (3/4 of their length); bluish, glaucous underneath, deep, bright green dorsally; minimal leaflet droop Petiole/Leaf bases: very long (6'-8'); very sharp blades and deeply channeled; bright green; leaf bases split, remain on trunk for years, and tend to stay green much longer than in most other Sabal species Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: Fruit:

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 27F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: good Wind Tolerance: moderate Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow tp moderate with age Soil Preference: widely adaptable Light Requirement: partial to full sun Human Hazards: sharp petiolar blades Disease or Horticultural Problems: none, though growers should be aware of this particular Sabal's lack of cold tolerance (catches many unawares) Transplants?: poor Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare but readily available from many palm specialty nurseries