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Palms (view source)

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__NOTOC__{{Plantbox
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| name = ''Arecaceae''
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| common_names = Palm family
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| growth_habit = ?  <!--- tree, shrub, herbaceous, vine, etc -->
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| high = ?  <!--- 1m (3 ft) -->
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| wide =    <!--- 65cm (25 inches) -->
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| origin = ?  <!--- Mexico, S America, S Europe, garden, etc -->
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| poisonous =    <!--- indicate parts of plants which are known/thought to be poisonous -->
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| lifespan = perennial
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| exposure = ?  <!--- full sun, part-sun, semi-shade, shade, indoors, bright filtered (you may list more than 1) -->
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| water = ?  <!--- frequent, regular, moderate, drought tolerant, let dry then soak -->
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| features =    <!--- flowers, fragrance, fruit, naturalizes, invasive -->
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| hardiness =    <!--- frost sensitive, hardy, 5°C (40°F), etc -->
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| bloom =    <!--- seasons which the plant blooms, if it is grown for its flowers -->
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| usda_zones = ?  <!--- eg. 8-11 -->
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| sunset_zones =    <!--- eg. 8, 9, 12-24, not available -->
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| color = IndianRed
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| image = 1859-Martinique.web.jpg
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| image_width = 180px    <!--- leave as 240px if horizontal orientation photo, or change to 180px if vertical -->
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| image_caption = Coconut Palm Tree
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| regnum = Plantae
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|division = Angiosperms
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|class = Liliopsida
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| ordo = Arecales
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| familia = Arecaceae
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}}
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The '''Arecales''' family, better known as '''Palm Trees''' or '''Palms''' are what make up the palm family. There are roughly 202 currently known [[Genus|genera]] with around 2600 [[species]], most of which are restricted to [[tropics|tropical]], [[subtropics|subtropical]], and warm [[temperate]] climates.  Palms are one of the most well-known and extensively cultivated plant families.
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[[Image:Washingtonia filifera in Palm Canyon.jpg|thumb|This grove of ''[[Washingtonia filifera]]'' in [[Palm Canyon]], [[California]] is growing alongside a stream running through the desert.]]
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[[Image:Manila dwarf coconut palm.jpg|thumb|A coconut palm.]]
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[[Image:Palm Tree.jpg|thumb|right|A palm tree in Calella, Spain.]]
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[[Image:Palm tree.jpg|thumb|right|The orange fruit on a palm tree.]]
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[[Image:Pritchardia affinis.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Pritchardia affinis]]'', a critically endangered species endemic to the [[Hawaiian Islands]].]]
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[[Image:Dates on date palm.jpg|thumb|Fruit of the Date Palm ''Phoenix dactylifera'']]
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[[Image:Santa_Monica_Palm_Trees.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Washingtonia robusta]]'' trees line Ocean Avenue in [[Santa Monica, California]].]]
 
Palm; Palms are amongst the most striking plants in tropical floras. The tall mostly straight unbranched trunks surmounted by a spreading canopy of huge pinnate or digitate leaves distinguish them from nearly all other forms of vegetation. They are widely spread in warm regions, being most abundant in America and Asia and few in Africa. They are particularly conspicuous in the Pacific Islands. Although the palms are such bold and interesting plants, the species are imperfectly understood. This is due to the great difficulty of making herbarium specimens, to the fact that the greater number of botanists are residents of regions in which palms do not grow, and to the differences of opinion as to the relative importance of the various botanical characters. Many of the palms have been named first from cultivated specimens, and often before the flowers and fruits are known. When the specimens finally come to fruit, the names are usually shifted, causing much confusion. The proper generic position of a palm may be unknown for several years after it becomes popular in the horticultural trade. Consider the changes in nomenclature which have occurred in palms that have been referred to the genera Areca and Kentia.
 
Palm; Palms are amongst the most striking plants in tropical floras. The tall mostly straight unbranched trunks surmounted by a spreading canopy of huge pinnate or digitate leaves distinguish them from nearly all other forms of vegetation. They are widely spread in warm regions, being most abundant in America and Asia and few in Africa. They are particularly conspicuous in the Pacific Islands. Although the palms are such bold and interesting plants, the species are imperfectly understood. This is due to the great difficulty of making herbarium specimens, to the fact that the greater number of botanists are residents of regions in which palms do not grow, and to the differences of opinion as to the relative importance of the various botanical characters. Many of the palms have been named first from cultivated specimens, and often before the flowers and fruits are known. When the specimens finally come to fruit, the names are usually shifted, causing much confusion. The proper generic position of a palm may be unknown for several years after it becomes popular in the horticultural trade. Consider the changes in nomenclature which have occurred in palms that have been referred to the genera Areca and Kentia.
    
The species of palms are not very numerous as compared with orchids, composites and grasses. They probably do not greatly exceed 1,200, as at present known, although more than that number have been described. Bentham & Hooker accept 132 genera, and Drude, in Engler & Prantl's "Pflanzenfamilien," accept 128 genera. Most of the genera are small, and many of them are monotypic. The largest genera are Calamus, with about 200 species, all Old World, mostly Asian; Geonoma, with about 100 species, all American; Baetns, about 100, American; Chamsedorea, with about 60, all American; Licuala, with 30, ranging from eastern Asia to Australia; Desmoncus, about 25, American; Cocos; 30, all confined to America but the coconut, which is now cosmopolitan; Pinanga, with about 25 species, of the oriental tropics; Areca, nearly two dozen, oriental. Many of the species, particularly in the small genera, are restricted to very small geographical regions, often to one island or to a group of islands. The palms represent an old type of vegetation, and they are now, probably, on the decline, as measuredin geological epochs.—Perhaps the most complete account of the botany of certain groups of palms is by 0. Beccari in such works as: "The species of Calamus," "Le Palme Americane della tribu della Corypheae," "Notes on Philippine Palms," and many smaller papers. O. F. Cook has also written extensively of the American species.
 
The species of palms are not very numerous as compared with orchids, composites and grasses. They probably do not greatly exceed 1,200, as at present known, although more than that number have been described. Bentham & Hooker accept 132 genera, and Drude, in Engler & Prantl's "Pflanzenfamilien," accept 128 genera. Most of the genera are small, and many of them are monotypic. The largest genera are Calamus, with about 200 species, all Old World, mostly Asian; Geonoma, with about 100 species, all American; Baetns, about 100, American; Chamsedorea, with about 60, all American; Licuala, with 30, ranging from eastern Asia to Australia; Desmoncus, about 25, American; Cocos; 30, all confined to America but the coconut, which is now cosmopolitan; Pinanga, with about 25 species, of the oriental tropics; Areca, nearly two dozen, oriental. Many of the species, particularly in the small genera, are restricted to very small geographical regions, often to one island or to a group of islands. The palms represent an old type of vegetation, and they are now, probably, on the decline, as measuredin geological epochs.—Perhaps the most complete account of the botany of certain groups of palms is by 0. Beccari in such works as: "The species of Calamus," "Le Palme Americane della tribu della Corypheae," "Notes on Philippine Palms," and many smaller papers. O. F. Cook has also written extensively of the American species.
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General characteristics.
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===General characteristics===
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The members of this family are essentially tropical in habitat, are highly ornamental in appearance, and many of them also of very great economic value, their fruits, stems and leaves not only entering largely into the manufactured products of both Europe and America but also providing both food and shelter for thousands of the inhabitants of tropical countries.  
 
The members of this family are essentially tropical in habitat, are highly ornamental in appearance, and many of them also of very great economic value, their fruits, stems and leaves not only entering largely into the manufactured products of both Europe and America but also providing both food and shelter for thousands of the inhabitants of tropical countries.  
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The very great economical value of many of the palms can only be touched upon within the limits of the present article, the uses to which not only the fruits but also the stems and leaves are put by the natives of many tropical countries being enough of themselves to fill volumes. One prominent example of this great utility is the Palmyra palm, of which a Hindoo poet enumerated over 800 different uses. Other notable examples include the coconut palm, the fruits of which are imported by hundreds of tons every year, and in addition to providing a valuable food, either fresh or in a desiccated condition, also produce that very valuable fiber from which cordage, matting and a great variety of goods are manufactured; also the Phoenix family, which produces the dates of commerce in apparently endless supply, and the date sugar of Bengal, this being contributed by Phoenix sylvestris, while the stems of date palms are often used in house-building in the East. Another very valuable palm product is found in palm oil, this being largely derived from the fruits of Elaeis guineensis, the oil being expressed from the ripe fruits in much the same manner that olive oil is manufactured. The rattan of commerce is chiefly composed of the flexible stems of various calami, the plentiful supply of this material being sufficiently attested by the great variety of articles manufactured therefrom. Various palms have been mentioned under the name of "wine palm," but it seems likely that some species of Raphia are most used for liquors, some portions of these palms giving a large amount of sap when tapped, and as the juice is rich in sugar, the sap soon ferments and may become strongly alcoholic. The best sago is produced from the pith of Metroxy-lon or Sagus, the trees being cut down and split into segments for the removal of the pith, the latter being then prepared in a rough granulated form for export. Sago is also procured from Caryota and some other genera, but the product is not equal to that of Metroxylon. The so-called whale-bone brooms frequently used in stables and for street- cleaning are mostly made from Piassaba (or Piacaba) fiber, this being gathered from around the base of plants of attaleas, mostly A. funifera. The attaleas also produce large seeds or nuts, those of A. funifera being known as coquilla-nuts, and very largely used for ornamental purposes, being very hard and capable of receiving a fine polish. Many small articles are manufactured from vegetable ivory, this being secured from the nuts of Phytelephas macrocarpa, a singular palm from South America, bearing a large fruit in which are contained from six to nine of the ivory-nuts, the plant itself having a short and sometimes creeping stem from which proceeds a noble head of pinnate fronds that are frequently 15 to 20 feet in length. The seeds of Areca Catechu, after preparation with lime and the leaves of the pepper-plant, become the betel-nut of the East Indies, so much used by the natives of that portion of the world as a mild stimulant. The cabbage palm of the West Indies is Oreodoxa oleracea, the smooth and straight stems of which are frequently 80 to 100 feet high, and the removal of the "cabbage," so-called, means the destruction of such a tree, for the portion eaten is composed of the central bud in which the young leaves are compactly gathered together.
 
The very great economical value of many of the palms can only be touched upon within the limits of the present article, the uses to which not only the fruits but also the stems and leaves are put by the natives of many tropical countries being enough of themselves to fill volumes. One prominent example of this great utility is the Palmyra palm, of which a Hindoo poet enumerated over 800 different uses. Other notable examples include the coconut palm, the fruits of which are imported by hundreds of tons every year, and in addition to providing a valuable food, either fresh or in a desiccated condition, also produce that very valuable fiber from which cordage, matting and a great variety of goods are manufactured; also the Phoenix family, which produces the dates of commerce in apparently endless supply, and the date sugar of Bengal, this being contributed by Phoenix sylvestris, while the stems of date palms are often used in house-building in the East. Another very valuable palm product is found in palm oil, this being largely derived from the fruits of Elaeis guineensis, the oil being expressed from the ripe fruits in much the same manner that olive oil is manufactured. The rattan of commerce is chiefly composed of the flexible stems of various calami, the plentiful supply of this material being sufficiently attested by the great variety of articles manufactured therefrom. Various palms have been mentioned under the name of "wine palm," but it seems likely that some species of Raphia are most used for liquors, some portions of these palms giving a large amount of sap when tapped, and as the juice is rich in sugar, the sap soon ferments and may become strongly alcoholic. The best sago is produced from the pith of Metroxy-lon or Sagus, the trees being cut down and split into segments for the removal of the pith, the latter being then prepared in a rough granulated form for export. Sago is also procured from Caryota and some other genera, but the product is not equal to that of Metroxylon. The so-called whale-bone brooms frequently used in stables and for street- cleaning are mostly made from Piassaba (or Piacaba) fiber, this being gathered from around the base of plants of attaleas, mostly A. funifera. The attaleas also produce large seeds or nuts, those of A. funifera being known as coquilla-nuts, and very largely used for ornamental purposes, being very hard and capable of receiving a fine polish. Many small articles are manufactured from vegetable ivory, this being secured from the nuts of Phytelephas macrocarpa, a singular palm from South America, bearing a large fruit in which are contained from six to nine of the ivory-nuts, the plant itself having a short and sometimes creeping stem from which proceeds a noble head of pinnate fronds that are frequently 15 to 20 feet in length. The seeds of Areca Catechu, after preparation with lime and the leaves of the pepper-plant, become the betel-nut of the East Indies, so much used by the natives of that portion of the world as a mild stimulant. The cabbage palm of the West Indies is Oreodoxa oleracea, the smooth and straight stems of which are frequently 80 to 100 feet high, and the removal of the "cabbage," so-called, means the destruction of such a tree, for the portion eaten is composed of the central bud in which the young leaves are compactly gathered together.
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Botanical structure.
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===Botanical structure===
    
As the trunk of the palm rises, the leaves underneath the crown die and fall. Usually the old petioles, or their bases, remain for some time, forming a shaggy capital to the column; this is well marked in the large or cabbage palmetto of the South. The palms are mostly trees, and sometimes rise to the height of nearly 200 feet, but some are climbing and others are low shrubs. Some palms are only a foot or two tall at maturity, as Malortiea. In some species the stems are prickly. Usually they make very straight comely boles, but a few species produce branches above.  
 
As the trunk of the palm rises, the leaves underneath the crown die and fall. Usually the old petioles, or their bases, remain for some time, forming a shaggy capital to the column; this is well marked in the large or cabbage palmetto of the South. The palms are mostly trees, and sometimes rise to the height of nearly 200 feet, but some are climbing and others are low shrubs. Some palms are only a foot or two tall at maturity, as Malortiea. In some species the stems are prickly. Usually they make very straight comely boles, but a few species produce branches above.  
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The individual flowers and fruits of palms are borne on a large inflorescence (spadix) which may or may not be inclosed in a sheath-like structure (spathe). The form and branching of this spadix varies much. One character that seems to hold is that of the branching, in one group of genera the spadix being either simple or imperfectly branched, if compound then paniculate, such as is found in Geonoma, Euterpe, and allied genera; and in others the spadix is always pinnately branched, the ultimate branches distichous if greater ramification is present.
 
The individual flowers and fruits of palms are borne on a large inflorescence (spadix) which may or may not be inclosed in a sheath-like structure (spathe). The form and branching of this spadix varies much. One character that seems to hold is that of the branching, in one group of genera the spadix being either simple or imperfectly branched, if compound then paniculate, such as is found in Geonoma, Euterpe, and allied genera; and in others the spadix is always pinnately branched, the ultimate branches distichous if greater ramification is present.
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Horticultural importance, and culture.
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==Cultivation==
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Palms have been favorite greenhouse subjects from the period of the first development of the glass plant- house. The stereotyped form of conservatory is a broad or nearly square structure, with narrow benches around the sides over the heating-pipes and a palm-bed in the center. In these conservatories a variety of palms will succeed, requiring neither a very high temperature nor much direct sunlight. (Fig. 2732.) In fact, palms usually succeed best under shaded roofs.  
 
Palms have been favorite greenhouse subjects from the period of the first development of the glass plant- house. The stereotyped form of conservatory is a broad or nearly square structure, with narrow benches around the sides over the heating-pipes and a palm-bed in the center. In these conservatories a variety of palms will succeed, requiring neither a very high temperature nor much direct sunlight. (Fig. 2732.) In fact, palms usually succeed best under shaded roofs.  
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Some palms endure considerable frost without injury. Of such are the sabals and the palmettoes of the southern states. The saw palmetto (Serenoa serrulata) and the blue palmetto (Rhapidophyllum Hystrix) occur as far north as South Carolina. In Asia, Nannorhops occurs naturally as far north as 34° and grows in the mountains of Afghanistan where snow falls, and in Europe. Chamaerops (the only palm indigenous to Europe) reaches 44 degrees.
 
Some palms endure considerable frost without injury. Of such are the sabals and the palmettoes of the southern states. The saw palmetto (Serenoa serrulata) and the blue palmetto (Rhapidophyllum Hystrix) occur as far north as South Carolina. In Asia, Nannorhops occurs naturally as far north as 34° and grows in the mountains of Afghanistan where snow falls, and in Europe. Chamaerops (the only palm indigenous to Europe) reaches 44 degrees.
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An abundance of water is required, for many palms grow on the banks of rivers or in swampy ground; and even those found on high and rocky ground send their roots down to such a depth as to find a liberal water- supply.
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Rotted sod is the basis for the best soil for palms, and a fair proportion of stable manure is a safe fertilizer, such a soil being mixed with various proportions of peat or sand, to make it lighter and more open for some delicate species.
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Summer care of palms.
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Some shading throughout the summer is best, the foliage grown under glass being more tender than that naturally produced outdoors. Repotting should be done during the spring and summer months, preferably, there being comparatively little root-action oh the part of most palms between November 1 and March 1. Give only moderate-sized shifts, that is, use pots only 1 or 2 inches larger, and always ram the soil firmly.
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Florists especially must understand the summer treatment of decorative palms. The usual weather of midsummer, which includes not only high temperature, but also fairly high humidity, is a help for the grower of palms, for such conditions do much to promote the growth of the stock, provided that watering, syringing, and proper attention to ventilation be given. A little ventilation at night, in addition to fairly liberal airing during the day, tends to prevent an over- accumulation of moisture on the foliage, and also has an influence toward the prevention of fungoid growths on or about the plants, for in houses so continually warm and moist as is the average palm-house, there is much encouragement for fungus on the woodwork of the benches and about the plants.
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A sprinkling of slaked lime under the benches is also a help to the atmosphere and discourages snails to some extent, the latter pest being sometimes very troublesome, especially on the young growths of kentias. Two of the worst periods for the reproduction of scale insects are in the months of May and September, and if these posts can be kept down at those periods, there will be much less trouble in the remainder of the year.
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Those who grow palms in quantity have to depend upon dips and spraying with various insecticides, from the fact that it is practically impossible to give the time to each plant that may be afforded by those who carry only a few dozens of palms in stock, but in either case most of the work of this character is likely to be done in the summer months, when there may be a little more time devoted to such work than can be spared in the busier seasons of spring and fall. This fact probably accounts for some of the insect tribulations to which the grower is exposed, as he is seldom able to find time to fight insects at the time of the spring rush, and by this means new colonies are distributed before the danger is appreciated.
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Kentias and cocos are undoubtedly the palms for the million at this stage of the florists' art in America, and the necessities of these admirable plants are well understood. Seaforthias and ptychospermas were rather more common to the trade fifteen to twenty years ago than they are now, and were used for decorative work before the kentias absorbed so much attention. Instead of using seaforthias for decorating, persons are adding them to the outdoor garden in those parts of the South where palms add so greatly to the permanent effect in the outdoor planting.
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The common Phoenix canariensis and other strong- growing members of that subfamily are also frequently in demand for outdoor use, while the dwarf date, Phoenix Roebelenii, continues to be in demand for house decoration, under which condition it is eminently satisfactory; it has found further usefulness even in small sizes, in being used to some extent for the centers of fern-pans. Livistona rotundifolia is one of the most charming of dwarf palms, but is easily spoiled by insects, requiring constant vigilance on that account, while a comparatively high temperature and moist atmosphere are also essential to its welfare.
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===Propagation===
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The species most used in commercial horticulture in the United States are contained in a very short list, the greater quantity being confined to five species, namely, Livistona chinensis, Howea Belmoreana, Howea Forsteriana, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, and Cocos Weddelliana, while less quantities of Caryota urens, several species of Phoenix, P. canariensis being very largely planted outdoors in the South and on portions of the Pacific coast. Seaforthia elegans and some others of the Ptychosperma group, and some few livistonas cover the extent of the catalogue for many growers.
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Of these, the seeds are imported in most cases, and on the quality of these seeds the success of the grower depends, so far as getting up a stock is concerned. Most of these species germinate readily in a warm greenhouse, providing the seeds are fresh, the slowest of the common commercial palms being the howeas. In small quantities  these seeds are usually sown in about 6-inch pots, the pots being well drained and nearly filled with light soil, then the seeds sown thickly and covered with 1/2 inch of soil, watered thoroughly and placed where they may receive the benefit of some bottom heat; and at no time should they be allowed to become very dry. The period required for germination varies greatly with different species, Livistona chinensis germinating in two or three weeks if fresh, and being ready for potting in about two months, while seeds of some of the attaleas have been known to remain in the earth for fully three years before starting.
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The seedlings of many species are very much alike, the seed-leaf in many instances being a long narrow simple leaflet, this description often applying equally to the seedlings of both fan-leaved and pinnate-leaved species; and from this fact it is somewhat difficult to recognize a species while in the juvenile form. Figs. 2733-2736 show stages in the germination of common palms. Special cultural notes for particular species of palms will be found throughout the Cyclopedia, but at this time a few general remarks regarding treatment of palms as a whole may be admissible. It has already been noted that palms in general are tropical in nature, and while there are a number of species that are found at considerable elevations, where the nights are decidedly cool, yet in a young state the same species may make more progress in a night temperature of 60° F.; and with this in view, a minimum temperature during the winter of 56° to 60° is safest for young and growing palms, while an advance of 15° to 20° during the day will not hurt them.
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===Pests and diseases===
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Insects are frequently troublesome if allowed to gain headway, various scale insects doing the greatest damage, while red-spiders and thrips may become established unless forcible syringing is persisted in. The most successful practice requires close observation on the part of the grower, and the prompt removal of all insects. Many other pests are also known and in the report of the Missouri Botanical Garden for 1898, Trelease gives an account of many of these. Busch in a report on investigation of diseases of the coconut palm in United States Department of Agriculture Bulletin of Entomology II. 38, 1902, gives an account of a disease that threatened the coconut industry in Trop. America.
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==Species==
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Selected genera{{wp}}
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*''[[Archontophoenix]]'' - [[Archontophoenix cunninghamiana|Bangalow palm]]
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*''[[Areca]]'' – [[Areca catechu|Betel palm]]
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*''[[Bactris]]'' – [[Bactris gasipaes|Pupunha]]
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*''[[Bismarckia]]'' - Bismark palm
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*''[[Borassus]]'' – Palmyra palm, [[Borassus flabellifer|Sugar palm]], [[Borassus flabellifer|Toddy palm]]
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*''[[Calamus (palm)|Calamus]]'' – [[Rattan]] palm
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*''[[Coconut|Cocos]]'' – Coconut
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*''[[Copernicia]]'' – [[Carnauba wax]] palm
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*''[[Corypha]]'' - Gebang palm, Buri palm or Talipot palm
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*''[[Oil palm|Elaeis]]'' – Oil palm
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*''[[Açaí Palm|Euterpe]]'' – Cabbage Heart palm, Açaí Palm
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*''[[Hyphaene]]'' - [[Hyphaene thebaica|Doum Palm]]
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*''[[Jubaea]]'' – Chilean Wine Palm, Coquito palm
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*''[[Latania]]'' – Latan palm
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*''[[Mauritia]]'' - [[Moriche Palm]]
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*''[[Metroxylon]]'' – [[Metroxylon sagu|Sago palm]]
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*''[[Phoenix (plant)|Phoenix]]'' – [[Date palm]]
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*''[[Raffia palm|Raphia]]'' – Raffia palm
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*''[[Roystonea]]'' – Royal palm
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*''[[Sabal]]'' – Palmettos
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*''[[Salacca]]'' – [[Salak]]
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*''[[Syagrus]]'' - [[Syagrus romanzoffiana|Queen palm]]
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*''[[Trachycarpus]]'' – [[Trachycarpus fortunei|Windmill palm]], [[Trachycarpus takil|Kumaon palm]]
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*''[[Washingtonia]]'' - Fan palm
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See list of Arecaceae genera arranged [[list of Arecaceae genera|by taxonomic groups]] or [[List of Arecaceae genera by alphabetical order|by alphabetical order]] for a complete listing of genera.
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{{Inc|
 
The genera chiefly known to horticulturists are the following:
 
The genera chiefly known to horticulturists are the following:
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Tribe Borasseae. Lvs. orbicular, the segms. fan-shaped and the sides induplicate. spadices interfoliar, the spathes many and sheathing: fls. dioecious, the male minute and sunk in cavities on the spadix, the female very large, ovary entire, 3-loculed, the ovule ascending: fr. various. Borassus, Lodoicea, Latania, Hyphaene.
 
Tribe Borasseae. Lvs. orbicular, the segms. fan-shaped and the sides induplicate. spadices interfoliar, the spathes many and sheathing: fls. dioecious, the male minute and sunk in cavities on the spadix, the female very large, ovary entire, 3-loculed, the ovule ascending: fr. various. Borassus, Lodoicea, Latania, Hyphaene.
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Tribe Cocoineae. Lvs. pinnatisect, the lfts. with reduplicate sides: spadices interfoliar, unisexual or androgynous, the spathes 2 or more: inferfoliar fls. often in 3's, the middle one female; ovary 1-7-loculed: fr. large, drupe-like, 1-7-loculed, the stigma terminal, the endocarp or shell hard and woody and provided with 3-7 pores.  
 
Tribe Cocoineae. Lvs. pinnatisect, the lfts. with reduplicate sides: spadices interfoliar, unisexual or androgynous, the spathes 2 or more: inferfoliar fls. often in 3's, the middle one female; ovary 1-7-loculed: fr. large, drupe-like, 1-7-loculed, the stigma terminal, the endocarp or shell hard and woody and provided with 3-7 pores.  
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There is very little accessible monographic literature on the palms. Martius' "Historia Naturalis Palmarum," Munich, three volumes, 1823 to 1850, is a standard work. Kerchove de Denterghem's "Les Palmiers," Paris, 1878, is an important work, A popular running account of palms and the various kinds, by William Watson, will be found in the following places in Gardeners' Chronicle: 1884 (volume 22), pages 426, 522, 595, 728, 748; 1885 (volume 23), pages 338, 410, 439; 1885 (volume 24), pages 362, 394, 586, 748; 1886 (volume 25), pages 75, 139, 557; 1886 (volume 26) pages 491, 652; 1887 (volume 2, series 3) pages 156, 304; 1891 (volume 9), pages 234, 298, 671; 1893 (volume 13), pages 260, 332.
 
There is very little accessible monographic literature on the palms. Martius' "Historia Naturalis Palmarum," Munich, three volumes, 1823 to 1850, is a standard work. Kerchove de Denterghem's "Les Palmiers," Paris, 1878, is an important work, A popular running account of palms and the various kinds, by William Watson, will be found in the following places in Gardeners' Chronicle: 1884 (volume 22), pages 426, 522, 595, 728, 748; 1885 (volume 23), pages 338, 410, 439; 1885 (volume 24), pages 362, 394, 586, 748; 1886 (volume 25), pages 75, 139, 557; 1886 (volume 26) pages 491, 652; 1887 (volume 2, series 3) pages 156, 304; 1891 (volume 9), pages 234, 298, 671; 1893 (volume 13), pages 260, 332.
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Palm-culture, for decorative purposes in the United States, has made its greatest progress within the past twenty-five years, and now seems to be a well-established business, with the prospect of a steady increase as the adaptability of these plants becomes better understood. A great area of glass is now in use for palm-culture alone, the middle states being the center of this industry, though large numbers are also grown in a few southern states; and owing to a favorable climate and gradually improving business methods, it seems probable that American growers will soon be able to compete with their more experienced brethren of Europe in this class of plants.
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==Gallery==
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The species most used in commercial horticulture in the United States are contained in a very short list, the greater quantity being confined to five species, namely, Livistona chinensis, Howea Belmoreana, Howea Forsteriana, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, and Cocos Weddelliana, while less quantities of Caryota urens, several species of Phoenix, P. canariensis being very largely planted outdoors in the South and on portions of the Pacific coast. Seaforthia elegans and some others of the Ptycho- sperma group, and some few livistonas cover the extent of the catalogue for many growers.
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Of these, the seeds are imported in most cases, and on the quality of these seeds the success of the grower depends, so far as getting up a stock is concerned. Most of these species germinate readily in a warm greenhouse, providing the seeds are fresh, the slowest of the common commercial palms being the howeas. In small quantities these seeds are usually sown in about 6-inch pots, the pots being well drained and nearly filled with light soil, then the seeds sown thickly and covered with 1/2 inch of
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==References==
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*[[Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture]], by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963
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<!--- xxxxx  *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381  -->
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<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432 -->
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<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->
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soil, watered thoroughly and placed where they may receive the benefit of some bottom heat; and at no time should they be allowed to become very dry. The period required for germination varies greatly with different species, Livistona chinensis germinating in two or three weeks if fresh, and being ready for potting in about two months, while seeds of some of the attaleas have been known to remain in the earth for fully three years before starting.
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==External links==
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The seedlings of many species are very much alike, the seed-leaf in many instances being a long narrow simple leaflet, this description often applying equally to the seedlings of both fan-leaved and pinnate-leaved species; and from this fact it is somewhat difficult to recognize a species while in the juvenile form. Figs. 2733-2736 show stages in the germination of common palms. Special cultural notes for particular species of palms will be found throughout the Cyclopedia, but at this time a few general remarks regarding treatment of palms as a whole may be admissible. It has already been noted that palms in general are tropical in nature, and while there are a number of species that are found at considerable elevations, where the nights are decidedly cool, yet in a young state the same species may make more progress in a night temperature of 60° F.; and with this in view, a minimum temperature during the winter of 56° to 60° is safest for young and growing palms, while an advance of 15° to 20° during the day will not hurt them.
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An abundance of water is required, for many palms grow on the banks of rivers or in swampy ground; and even those found on high and rocky ground send their roots down to such a depth as to find a liberal water- supply.
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Rotted sod is the basis for the best soil for palms, and a fair proportion of stable manure is a safe fertilizer, such a soil being mixed with various proportions of peat or sand, to make it lighter and more open for some delicate species.
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Insects are frequently troublesome if allowed to gain headway, various scale insects doing the greatest damage, while red-spiders and thrips may become established unless forcible syringing is persisted in. The most successful practice requires close observation on the part of the grower, and the prompt removal of all insects. Many other pests are also known and in the report of the Missouri Botanical Garden for 1898, Trelease gives an account of many of these. Busch in a report on investigation of diseases of the coconut palm in United States Department of Agriculture Bulletin of Entomology II. 38, 1902, gives an account of a disease that threatened the coconut industry in Trop. America.
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Summer care of palms.
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:''The following two sections, Palms in California and Palms in Florida should be rethought, and perhaps moved to new pages either based more on climate, or perhaps better incorporated into the text above.''
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Some shading throughout the summer is best, the foliage grown under glass being more tender than that naturally produced outdoors. Repotting should be done during the spring and summer months, preferably, there being comparatively little root-action oh the part of most palms between November 1 and March 1. Give only moderate-sized shifts, that is, use pots only 1 or 2 inches larger, and always ram the soil firmly.
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Florists especially must understand the summer treatment of decorative palms. The usual weather of midsummer, which includes not only high temperature, but also fairly high humidity, is a help for the grower of palms, for such conditions do much to promote the growth of the stock, provided that watering, syringing, and proper attention to ventilation be given. A little ventilation at night, in addition to fairly liberal airing during the day, tends to prevent an over- accumulation of moisture on the foliage, and also has an influence toward the prevention of fungoid growths on or about the plants, for in houses so continually warm and moist as is the average palm-house, there is much encouragement for fungus on the woodwork of the benches and about the plants.
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A sprinkling of slaked lime under the benches is also a help to the atmosphere and discourages snails to some extent, the latter pest being sometimes very troublesome, especially on the young growths of kentias. Two of the worst periods for the reproduction of scale insects are in the months of May and September, and if these posts can be kept down at those periods, there will be much less trouble in the remainder of the year.
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Those who grow palms in quantity have to depend upon dips and spraying with various insecticides, from the fact that it is practically impossible to give the time to each plant that may be afforded by those who carry only a few dozens of palms in stock, but in either case most of the work of this character is likely to be done in the summer months, when there may be a little more time devoted to such work than can be spared in the busier seasons of spring and fall. This fact probably accounts for some of the insect tribulations to which the grower is exposed, as he is seldom able to find time to fight insects at the time of the spring rush, and by this means new colonies are distributed before the danger is appreciated.
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Kentias and cocos are undoubtedly the palms for the million at this stage of the florists' art in America, and the necessities of these admirable plants are well understood. Seaforthias and ptychospermas were rather more common to the trade fifteen to twenty years ago than they are now, and were used for decorative work before the kentias absorbed so much attention. Instead of using seaforthias for decorating, persons are adding them to the outdoor garden in those parts of the South where palms add so greatly to the permanent effect in the outdoor planting.
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The common Phoenix canariensis and other strong- growing members of that subfamily are also frequently in demand for outdoor use, while the dwarf date, Phoenix Roebelenii, continues to be in demand for house decoration, under which condition it is eminently satisfactory; it has found further usefulness even in small sizes, in being used to some extent for the centers of fern-pans. Livistona rotundifolia is one of the most charming of dwarf palms, but is easily spoiled by insects, requiring constant vigilance on that account, while a comparatively high temperature and moist atmosphere are also essential to its welfare.
      
Palms in California.
 
Palms in California.
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