The
Mediterranean Garden Society

Palms for the Mediterranean Climate

Text and photographs by Howard Janes

There are 192 genera of palms comprising approximately 2,500 species, which do not include cycads, yuccas, agaves, cordylines, or tree ferns!

This list comprises 62 genera that consist of tropical and sub-tropical as well as temperate species, which should theoretically and subject to the notes below, be adaptable to the Mediterranean climate. The remaining 130 genera consist mostly of non-adaptable tropical and sub-tropical species that require constant heat or special conditions that are difficult to replicate.

The figures denote the minimum known number of species in each genus.

* marks those genera that are generally the safest for growing in the Mediterranean climate (and often much cooler regions).

¹ some/all species in the genus probably need to be taken into a warm conservatory from mid-November to March.
² some/all species in the genus need dappled sun or the shade of a porch, especially in summer.
³ one or two species in the genus need(s) excess water.

Palm culture is not an exact science, hence it is advisable to research each species before buying. If you venture from the safe it may be a little costly, but with care your successes should reward you by outnumbering your failures.

The best all-round reference book, but a little outdated with respect to recent nomenclature, is Palms Throughout the World by David L. Jones, Reed Books, 1995, ISBN 0 7301 0420 6; the best for recognition, descriptions and conditions is An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms by Robert Lee Riffle & Paul Craft, Timber Press, 1993, ISBN 0-88192-558-6; and the best general cultural information is in the International Palm Society journal PALMS, April 1999, Vol. 43, No. 2 (see below).

Useful addresses:

www.palmsociety.org www.palmcentre.co.uk www.rarepalmseeds.com www.palms.org

European Palm Society Specialist palm nursery near London Specialist seed supplier in Germany International Palm Society (U.S.A.)

Contributions, comments and queries about these pages to hjanes@wanadoo.es ; however, please note that I am not an expert, just an amateur who has begun to take an interest in the potential of palms in the garden.

PALMS IN MALLORCA

Outdoor Palms commonly available

¹ often sold as Palmito.
² often sold as Cocotero, Coco plumosa or Arecastrum romanzoffiana.
³ often sold as Chamaerops excelsa.

Outdoor Palms often available

¹ often sold as Erythea.
² the only species of genus Phoenix (i.e. date palm) to give true, edible dates.
³ tall, slender specimens are common throughout the Island, but true small to medium robustas to buy are rare, if not non-existent - most are crosses with filifera (and probably vice versa).

Indoor Palms for a sheltered porch

¹ often sold as Areca Palm.
² often sold as Kentia Palm.
All prefer good light, but not direct sun unless dappled.

Tips:
1. While there are many other species of the above and other genera that will be fine for Majorca, check before buying! Some palms found in garden centres may be too sensitive to survive Majorcan winters except in warm conservatories: e.g. Livistonia rotundifolia; thus they will not be suitable for planting out, especially in gardens susceptible to frost.
2. Buy small to medium potted palms at any time of year, but, to minimize setback that can lead to death, resist re-potting or planting before night temperatures rise and growth re-starts in mid-May - even if the plants seem to be pot-bound.
3. Buy large or dug up specimens in May or June. To provide protection and support in transit and to reduce transpiration, their root balls should be well wrapped and kept moist, and their leaves should be reduced by half and be bundled, wrapped and bound with splints. Plant promptly in large, well-prepared holes and keep the leaves bound for two months while the roots recover and ensure that the roots remain moist by soaking weekly in dry periods for at least a year or two.
4. It is a fallacy that palms like dry conditions - even species from arid regions live near to oases or streams. All palms benefit from watering and a few even need their toes in permanent water: e.g. Ravenea rivularis.
5. Even if you cannot mulch often, palms planted out and large specimens in containers should be fed well three times annually, say March, June and September, preferably with organic (e.g. bonemeal), inorganic (N-P-K & Mg + trace elements of B, Fe & Zn), and nitrogenous (e.g. urea) fertilizers, singly or mixed. Baby Bio spikes are perfect for smaller specimens in pots.
6. If kept fed and watered, most palms should survive well for many years in pots or pockets in bedrock (albeit with slower growth), but require a good mass of rich soil if they are to thrive.