Mauritiella aculeata

Nannorrhops ritchiana

This palm is very slow growing and can take hot desert conditions as well as snow storms. This is a clustering palm and each stem will die after the flower has produced seed and then the palm will produce a new leaf.

Nephrosperma vanhoutteanum

A slender, spiny pinnate palm, native only to the Seychelles Islands. It is well adapted to humid, tropical climates but only rarely seen in cultivation.

Oenocarpus bataua, Jessenia polycarpa

This palm can reach up to 20 ft in height in its natural environment, where it grows and flourishes under humid conditions and full sun, but also tolerates shade.

In cultivation, Oenocarpus bataua or Patawa, can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11 and requires plenty of warmth, water, and humidity to thrive. Its ideal growing conditions include regular watering and plenty of sunlight, as the plant prefers full sun or light shade and should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 40F. This palm is an ethnomedical plant, traditionally used by local tribes as an astringent, emollient, and diuretic.

The fruits of Oenocarpus bataua are edible and have an interesting flavor and texture. The fruits are rich in high quality oil, which is widely used in South America for cooking, and also thought to have a variety of therapeutic applications. Studies have demonstrated that the oil from Oenocarpus bataua has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties that could be beneficial for cardiovascular and metabolic health. The fruit can be eaten raw or processed into oils and jellies.

Caring for Oenocarpus bataua in pot is especially important in cold regions as the plant is not frost tolerant. In order to keep it safe from possible damages, it is best to place the pot in a sunny location and provide some shelter if temperatures drop significantly. The soil should be kept moist and well-drained and fertilized regularly to ensure optimal growth. Growing Oenocarpus bataua in a pot also allows the gardener to easily move the plant and monitor its health.

Orbignya speciosa, Attalea speciosa

Orbignya speciosa is native to South American Amazon basin. In its natural environment, this small tree reaches 10-20 feet tall, and prefers partial shade or semi-shade and regular water. Its foliage is attractive, making an ornamental addition to the garden. Orbignya speciosa is usually hardy to USDA Zone 9-11 and can tolerate mature temperatures down to at least 30F for a short time.

For growing Orbignya speciosa in a pot, the planting container must be large enough to accommodate the plant's roots when mature. Make sure that the pot has at least one drainage hole in the bottom to allow for water to drain out. The soil should also be kept moist, but not waterlogged. If you live in a colder region, still keep the pot in an area that receives some sunlight, and make sure to bring it inside during any cold snaps. When bringing it inside, make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight, as this may disrupt its growth. During the growing season, you should give it regular watering. Fertilizer can be added periodically to promote growth. Finally, if the palm is too tall for the pot, it can be trimmed back and placed in a larger pot or divided and shared with a friend or neighbor.

Its seeds yield a kind of oil commercially known as babassu oil. As it is not greasy and possesses remarkable softening properties, babassu oil is widely employed, notably to prepare cosmetics: body and hair oils and creams, soaps, etc.

Pelagodoxa henryana

Pelagodoxa henryana is a unique palm species that can grow to over 20 ft tall and is commonly referred to as the Henry Palm. It has fan shaped fronds that can be up to 3 ft long and 4 ft wide, with bluish-green leaves on top and whitish-green underside. The flowers are inconspicuous, but the unique bumpy round fruits are a distinctive feature of this plant. This palm thrives in full sun or semi-shade, with moderate water in well-drained rich soil with plenty of fertilizer. It can tolerate periods of drought, but it requires regular water for best growth. It is suitable for growing in USDA Zones 9 to 11.

Pelagodoxa henryana is mainly a landscape plant, and it is easy to care for in a pot in cold regions. Ensure that the pot is placed in a warm and sunny environment, and water regularly. As a tropical plant, it prefers warm, humid conditions. Use a fertilizer that is high in potassium and nitrogen to promote healthy foliage. During the winter months, reduce watering and consider using a heat lamp for extra warmth if needed. Protect the palm from extreme cold and strong winds, as the leaves can be torn in exposed locations. Shield it from heavy rains and hail. If the winter temperatures drop too low, the palm can be placed in a sheltered area or put indoors in a bright, warm room.

Phoenicophorium borsigianum

Endemic to the Seychelles, this spectacular palm is found in forests, but is one of only a few native plants in the Seychelles that can colonise dry and eroded areas, as it is capable of withstanding full sunlight and periods of drought. It can also happily grow in deep shade or in rocky soils. It forms large stands on the islands and is frequently associates with Lodoicea maldivica. The large beautiful leaves have been extensively used in the past for thatching of roofs.

This palm has prominent spines on stems and leaf bases, a feature generally thought to be a defense against the giant tortoises that used to roam free in the islands... The large leaves provide shelter for geckos and invertebrates as the pleated surface acts as an effective litter trap thus providing cover for small animals. The leaves can reach up to 6 ft in length! They have a crinkled appearance due to the prominent veins, and are split at the ends with orange-edged serrations. Both male and female flowers are borne on the same tree on an inflorescence that emerges below the crown.

Phoenix canariensis

Trees are vulnerable to ganoderma rot, lethal yellowing disease and leaf spot. . Dates are infinitely good for you and loaded with all kinds of vitamins, and date palms are lovely trees. If you want to start your own date palm, don't make the mistake of using pasteurized dates that have been steamed and preserved with chemicals.Get raw dates, that haven't been tampered with, they are usually available at health food stores. Break open the date and wash several pits. Plant them 1 to 3 inches deep in a starter mix. The time for germination varies, but it could be as long as two months, so don't give up in disgust. Keep the container in a warm place with good humidity. (Placing the entire pot inside a closed plastic bag is a good way to maintain high humidity.) In most plants the seed cotyledon that acts as a reservoir for food usually emerges from the top of the seed and sprouts directly out of the ground-not so with the date. It comes from the bottom and travels through the soil (like a root), coming up many inches later. When this root is about an inch long above the soil, it is time to transplant to a large tub of rich soil so the plant can grow on. In a few weeks the sprout will be joined by another, and presto, fronds! Your date is on its way. Give the plant plenty of sun, good moisture, and occasional feeding to keep it growing.

Phoenix dactylifera

Fresh dates, the fruit of the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), are widely grown in warmer climates, such as the Middle East, to the point where they are a staple food in many cultures. Dried dates are also widely enjoyed in a number of other cultures. Dates contain high levels of vitamin C and dietary fiber, as well as naturally occurring sugars, including fructose, glucose, and sucrose. Date palms can produce up to 150 lbs of fruit each season, depending on the tree's size and the local climate. The fruit is usually thin-skinned, yellow-orange in color, and oval or oblong in shape. Though dates can be eaten fresh or dried, most people prefer the sweet taste and chewy texture of dried dates. Whether you're eating a fresh date or a dried one, this sweet, nutrient-dense fruit is an excellent addition to your diet.

The palm is dioecious, meaning each plant is either male or female, not both, as in most palms. A very hardy palm, which will grow almost anywhere, apart from very cold areas, and only unconditional requirement is full sun. Not particular about soil and will even grow in poor soils. Prune suckers annually to create single trunk specimens. Although a drought resistant desert plant, the date palm has deep roots that typically seek out subterranean water sources. Provide regular irrigation for best look and faster growth.

Phoenix reclinata

The Senegal Date Palm is variable in shape and form but tends to grow as clumps composed of multiple stems reaching 25 ft to 50 ft in height. These slender stems are covered with brown fiber and tend to curve away from the center of the clump in graceful arcs. The Senegal Date Palm readily hybridizes with the many other species of Phoenix that are found in the landscape. The fruit, called a date, follows the female flower. It is similar to the dates we buy in the store but is smaller and has less flesh and is mostly seed - they also don't taste very good although they are edible. Break open the date and wash several pits. Plant them 1 to 3 inches deep in a starter mix. The time for germination varies, but it could be as long as two months. Keep the container in a warm place with good humidity. (Placing the entire pot inside a closed plastic bag is a good way to maintain high humidity.) In most plants the seed cotyledon that acts as a reservoir for food usually emerges from the top of the seed and sprouts directly out of the ground-not so with the date. It comes from the bottom and travels through the soil (like a root), coming up many inches later. When this root is about an inch long above the soil, it is time to transplant to a large tub of rich soil so the plant can grow on. In a few weeks the sprout will be joined by another. Give the plant plenty of sun, good moisture, and occasional feeding to keep it growing.