Palm Tree Species

The palm tree family is sometimes also known as the Arecaceae family. Botanically the palm is also known as Palmae and Panamea. The palm tree is a flowering tree and is also a member of the monocot or monocotyledon order. Palm trees are prominently found in the tropical, sub tropical and warmer temperate regions. Some of the palm tree species that have become fashionable in the colder regions of the world, are planted in the nurseries and are sometimes also planted indoors. Landscape designers have also started using the palm tree in their landscape designs. Around 2000 palm tree species are found across the globe. Among the different geneses and families of the plant kingdom, the palm tree is probably the most widespread family. The following are some of the important and also the most prevalent palm tree species.

List of Palm Tree Species

True Date Palm: The true date palm is botanically known as the phoenix dactylifera. This species is characterized by a slender rough trunk, that has the appearance of a feathery texture. The canopy of this palm is very widespread and has a head of grayish, greenish leaves. The canopy of leaves ascend in the center of the tree and tend to curve towards the outside. Sometimes, off shoots are also seen on the lower parts of the trunk.

Canary Island Date Palm: Canary island date palm is prominently found in many of the tropical islands in the Indian and the Pacific oceans. These palm tree varieties can basically be identified with the help of their length and large tree trunks. This tree often reaches a height of 50 to 60 feet. The massive size of the trunk is a very eye-catching feature of this tree. Botanically, the canary is a land date palm, and is known as the phoenix canariensis. A unique feature of this palm is that it is very slow growing.

Texas Sabal Palm: The Texas Sabal palm is scientifically known as the Sabal texana or Mexicana. Among all the palm tree varieties, this tree is the one with the weirdest appearance. Its most unique feature is the broad trunk, that has a rather weird surface, feel and appearance.

Mediterranean Fan Palm: The Mediterranean Fan palm, as the name suggests, is prominently found in the Mediterranean climates. Botanically, this tree is known as Chamaerops humilis. Of all the palm tree types, the Mediterranean Fan palm has a very different appearance and characteristics, than the tropical and sub tropical palm trees. It is a very slow grower, and has a distinct canopy with leaves that are gray or greenish in color. The leaves of this plant are usually straight when young and later form a very attractive thatch on top of the trunk, as they mature.

Windmill Palm Tree: The Windmill Palm tree is botanically known as the Trachycarpus fortunei. This tree is one of the toughest of the palm tree species and is capable of surviving the extreme climates of the colder regions. This tree is exceptionally short in height, for a palm tree.

Pindo Palm: The Pindo Palm is one of the most convenient patio and garden palm trees. These trees, have grayish and green leaves, that have graceful fall that tends to descend from the canopy. The trunk of this plant is very stocky and also comes in very attractive patterns. When planted in between tall trees, this palm creates a very good effects on the garden landscape. It is used in various patio designs as well.

Sago Palms: Botanically the Sago palm is known as the Cycas revoluta. It is sometimes debated to be a cycad. It is characterized by very shiny foliage and a very curious pattern of leaves, that gives the canopy of the tree a very drizzly look.

There are several more types of palm trees, that are yet to be botanically and scientifically classified. The attractive and catchy features of this tree, are making it a very popular botanical specimen among gardening enthusiasts. A word of caution, if you are indeed planning to plant a palm tree, then you have to love it and also learn all the basics of caring for a palm tree.