Botanical Name : Sabal domingensis
A native of the Hispaniola island in the Carribean, shared between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. This is a robust and very adaptable palm taking in extreme cold to drought conditions in its stride. Also known as the Dominican Palm.
Had 2nd thoughts about this neglected posting... since sighting this rare Sabal with flowers and fruits (3 months ago) cause even then, to my untrained eyes, this one was in dire distress. Some kind of affliction which I really can't pinpoint. Here, we get to see its glory (inflorescence + fructescence) despite its poor health.
The palm has varying green costapalmate (half fan shaped and half in divided leaflets) leaves which arched outwards with fingers of the leaflets further split into two giving them a thready look. Seeing them limped and drooped, as though in its last stages of life, was rather disturbing. Wonder what went wrong!
| branches of flowers |
The elongated floral bouquet of creamy white flowers (male and female) stretched out even longer than the length of its leaves, bursting with bunches of small Green fruits which mature on turning purple.
| specimen @ The Curve, PJ |
Next best feature, was that the petioles are smooth, all without spines.
| 'boots' not made for walking |
| limp with white spots beneath the leaves |
| beautiful at night with decorative lights |
The Sabal d. could reach heights of 30ft+ and looking at this specimen, there's probably another 2/3 of growth to achieve. Hope it's been tended to and recover soon...
Note to self : to post updated pic of this specimen
