Guadalupe Palm, Guadalupe Fan Palm

Mexican Blue Palm (Brahea armata), Palma Dulce (B. dulcis).

Guadalupe palms are native to Guadalupe Island off the west coast of Mexico but are widely grown in many parts of the world.

Guadalupe palms thrive in dry, sunny climates, and do not like humid tropical conditions. The palms grow well in many parts of California and are hardy to at least 20° F (USDA Zones 9-10A). They can be grown for some time as container specimens.

The palms are robust and slow-growing to 30 feet with a canopy of several dozen leaves. The naked, elephant-hide trunk is ringed with leaf scars. Their slow growth, moderate size and clean habits make them attractive landscape specimens.

The fan-shaped, costapalmate, stiffly folded leaves are 3-6 feet long and 3-4 feet wide, dividing about halfway into 70-80 segments that split deeply at the tips. They are green on both sides and sometimes contain teeth on the margins of the petioles. The trees tend to be self-cleaning.

Large clusters of yellow, bisexual flowers are borne on 4-5 foot inflorescences that hang down from the leaves. Pollination is by wind and insects.

Plump, black fruits, about one inch in diameter are borne in great sprays on the trees. The pleasant, sweet taste is somewhat like dates.

Guadalupe palms do best in a sunny location. Their wind and salt tolerance make them suitable for beach and desert conditions.

The trees are widely adaptable to most soil conditions.

The palms require little or no water once they are established.

Guadalupe palms have a low nutrient requirement.

The palms seldom need pruning.

Propagation is from seed, which germinate in two to four months.

The palms have no major pests, diseases or physiological problems.

The fruits are picked as they ripen. They can be eaten fresh or made into jams and puddings. Under refrigeration they can be stored for a month or more.