A Palm by Any other Name: Sanibel's Tropical Trees

Because all 12 miles of Sanibel are lined with green tropicality, it is easy to overlook just how many varieties of trees and shrubs contribute to the Island's lush beauty.

Take the palm trees, as one example.

A short bike ride or ambitious walk will reveal at least a dozen different types easily observed.

And while we quickly recognize all are lovely in their own way; it's worth noting that each one has not only its particular scientific and popular name, but its own contribution to the island.

The Sabal Palm, for instance, has some unique uses.  The Sabal Palm is the state tree.
Also called the Cabbage Palm, this palm has the scientific name "Sabal palmetto."  Florida designated the Sabal Palm as the official state tree in 1953. The Sabal Palm is the most widely distributed palm tree in Florida. It has many applications, including food, medicine, and landscaping. In 1970 the Florida legislature mandated that the sabal palm tree should replace the cocoa palm on the state seal. 

Sabal palms are adapted to a Florida landscape where lightning strikes often causing fires: the Sabal Palms survive fires and send out new shoots. The Sabal Palm has gained popularity on Sanibel because it is very durable and will tolerate a wide variety of soil and weather conditions. It can be used as an ornamental or street tree, well adapted for group, specimen or avenue plantings. This palm is very salt tolerant and can be grown on the beach or directly at the water’s edge of bays and inlets.

Another beauty on Sanibel is the Royal Palm,  very special specimens.  Though they are pretty much limited to front lawns, their towering stature makes them stand out. The Royal Palm can get up to 60 – 70ft tall and 5 -10 ft wide with a growth rate of around a foot each year. The scientific name for the Royal Palm is "Roystonea oleracea".

The Royal Palm is native to Cuba and North America. Royal Palm Trees are popular in many warm, coastal landscapes, particularly in southern Florida and parts of California. They can be also found in the Caribbean, Central and South American, and Texas. The grace and beauty of a Royal Palm makes it a popular tree along the streets of many cities. Often they are used in the islands of large parking lots or in medians along the highway. Nothing says “tropical” like the majestic Royal Palm. There are 10 species of Royal Palm around the world.