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Washingtonia robusta
| Family Name: | Arecaceae (Palmae) |
| Synonyms: | Washingtonia filifera var. robusta |
| Common Name: | Mexican Fan Palm, Washington Palm, 华盛顿棕 |
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Palm (Solitary Habit) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 30 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A very tall, slender, solitary palm that attains dominant heights of over 30 m tall with thin, brownish-grey trunk to which many old fronds remain attached, and bright green, palmate fronds with reddish-brown sheaths armed with thorns. |
|---|---|
| Trunk | Trunk solitary, long, slender, up to 30 cm in diameter, brownish-grey, ringed with closely set leaf scars (although usually at least part of the trunk remains covered with dead leaves that hang in a thatch). |
| Foliage | Fronds palmate , bright green above and dull green beneath, with gracefully drooping tips; sheathes reddish-brown, about 1 m long, armed with thorns (As the fronds die, they fall against the trunk to create a "hula skirt" or "petticoat" effect for which this palm is famous for). |
| Flowers | Inflorescence can reach up 2 to 3 m long, cream, originating from among the leaf bases; flowers are about 0.5cm. |
| Fruit | Fruit is globular, about 10 mm in diameter, ripening from white to brownish-black. |
| Cultivation | It prefers moderately rich, well-drained soils but can survive on poor soils and even sand. It thrives in bright sunny conditions but able to tolerate some shade. Drought resistant when established, but looks better and grows faster when given adequate amount of water. Caution: Shaggy skirts of dead, dry fronds are a fire hazard. Remove dry fronds if need be. Propagate by seeds. Sow seeds in light soil and keep at a room temperature of 25-30°C. Seeds germinate easily in 1 to 2 months. |
| Etymology | The genus epithet 'Washingtonia' is named after George Washington (1732-1799), the first president of the United States. Its species epithet 'robusta' means robust or vigorous in Latin, in reference to the palm's hardy and adaptable characteristics. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Suitable for Roadsides |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Foliar Shape(s) | Palm Fronds (Fan / Costapalmate) |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 2.5 (Palm - Solitary) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Trunk Type (Palm) | Solitary Habit, Aboveground |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White |
|---|
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Black |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1397 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2690 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |