What Is Growing Out Of My Palm Tree
When we see palm trees, summer comes to mind. It is because they usually grow in warmer climates, but there are over 2,500 species, and these different species can exist in various climate zones, from deserts to rainforests. As much as their unique and beautiful appearance, they can be used in other areas. Palm trees are considered sacred in some ancient civilizations and represent eternal life.
They are even mentioned in holy books and symbolize peace and victory. There is no doubt that they give warm energy around them; even the artificial ones are used to soften the environment. Recently people tend to grow smaller species as indoor plants. Although, they can be very delicate. They need some special care and attention. Otherwise, they might get into trouble. In this article, you can learn detailed information about what to take care of while growing a palm tree.
General Characteristics
Palm trees are also known as Arecaceae. They have very identifiable leaves which grow outward from a single point on the top of the tree. They have a conical trunk and have nearly no branches. They can reach heights of 70 feet. The tallest species can even grow up to 200 feet high.
The length and thickness of the tree can differ from one species to another. Their natural habitat is tropical zones like Asia, South America, Pacific Ocean Islands, and Africa. Palms have cultural value for some of the countries in these regions. In addition, they take part in several countries’ national flags like Haiti. Palms are adapted to warm weather and are also very resistant to the storms of tropical climate zone. Because they are tropical climate plants, they do not shed their leaves in winter.
They stay evergreen for 12 months. Other than tropical zones, different species also exist in various environments. That is why not all species have the same needs to grow and survive. Therefore, it is vital to know about species to provide proper care to them.
Fruits That Grow Out of Palm Trees
Some species of palm trees can produce either fruit or flower. Coconut and date are the most known fruits grown on palm trees. People often assume all palms are coconut trees, but it is a common mistake. The ones that produce fruit are a special species of palm trees. Although we can say, the number of coconut palms is high among all the palm trees.
Coconut trees could live very long: almost 100 years. They can grow and live in tropical or subtropical environments and needs humidity. Coconut is not a very common fruit because its growing zone is narrow. But despite its rareness, it is known and desirable. It can also be used in different areas. You can eat its fruit and drink its water. Coconut water consists of other vitamins, antioxidants, and sugar. So, it is both delicious and nutritious. Its oil is also used in various cosmetics and skincare products.
Recently it has been commonly used in foods, especially in deserts. Even its shell is used as an ornament or bowl. Another fruit that grows out of palm trees is the date. Date palms have been a food provider for humans since the beginning of humanity. So, they have great importance in the history of humankind.
How to Grow a Palm Tree?
It is important to use fresh seeds to grow them; otherwise, their growth could be problematic. A combination of peat moss, leaf mold, and shredded bark should be used as soil. There is a special soil mixture just made to grow them up. Fertilization should be in autumn or spring.
They like hot weather due to their natural habitat. It requires water to stay alive, although it can survive without it for a while. Palms live a very long if it is well cared for. It is important to prune the tree during certain periods, and professionals should do it. They need good care. Ignoring them can be dangerous because any disease can capture the palm at any time, and it can be too late to save it. Let’s talk about some of the problems they suffer.
Lichens
Lichens exist in all parts of the world because their ecosystem is very wide. They can vary in appearance. Lichens vary in colors and shapes. It is also frequently grown out of palm trees; luckily, they are not harmful. They live on palms. It is a good sign to have them around because there is no pollution near the tree.
Strangler Fig
Strangler Fig is another thing that grows out of the palms. It popularly can be seen around the USA. It is not harmful until it grows up. So, it is important to realize infection at the first stages. If you recognize them earlier, you can easily remove them. Then, the palm will be just fine.
Ganoderma Butt Rot: The Nightmare
Lastly, a common disease among palm trees is Ganoderma Butt Rot. Ganoderma can appear in all types of woods. It appears as a white rut fungus in the trunk of the tree. It would help if you were very careful about any sign of the conk, especially on the side of the trunk or stump of the tree, because it shows that the tree has been infected. In the first stages, the conk in the trunk or stump appears as a soft white mass.
When the conk grows up, it turns into a reddish-brown color and becomes a shelf-like structure. It is extremely important to be aware of any signs, but unfortunately, the disease does not always show a warning. It means sometimes there is no conk. Also, it might not be possible to understand when your palm has been infected in the first place because conk can occur later. The bad news is it is a fatal disease, and there is no known cure.
Furthermore, the infection can spread to other palm trees through the soil. Therefore, removing the infected palm when you notice the signs are necessary. You make sure both the tree’s root and stump have been removed to prevent the spreading of the disease.
In Conclusion
With their tall and magnificent images, palms are a reminder of summer. They are not only beautiful but also very beautiful and used in various areas. As if it wasn’t enough to be used in many different fields, they are also the provider of exotic fruits such as dates and coconut.
Although, as well as fruits, diseases can also grow on the tree. It would help if you were always alert to any condition’s signs because it can easily capture the tree. Unfortunately, not all diseases are curable. In this article, where we talked about what grows on palm trees, we wanted to introduce some of the common diseases. So, you can easily recognize them when you see any sign of a problem. In this way, you can have a chance to save the tree if the disease is curable. When you have questions about what grows on a palm tree, don’t forget to check out this article.
You may also be interested in: