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Sabal domingensis is a bigger burlier version of Florida's native cabbage palmetto (Sabal palmetto) to which it bears an otherwise close resemblance. The Hispaniola palm, as it is commonly called, has a single trunk that grows straight and erect to a height of 60 ft (18 m) and possibly taller. The trunk is massive, about 2 ft (60 cm) in diameter and usually with the upper several feet covered with interlaced leaf bases, left behind when the petioles break and the leaves fall. These eventually detach to reveal leaf scar rings upon the smooth light brown trunk.
The flower stalks are about 3 ft (91 cm) long and appear in spring and are held within the crown of leaves. Each stalk divides into numerous branches that hold the small, 0.25 in (8 cm) creamy white flowers. It is common for young palms to flower - even before they form a visible trunk. The black seeds are spherical, often flattened on the end and 0.5 - 0.75 in (15 - 23 cm) in diameter.
Location
Culture
Once established, the Hispanolia palm is a relatively fast grower if irrigated and fed. In my observation it takes about 8 to 10 years for this palm to "establish" before it begins to form a trunk, at which point the growth rate increases. Plant this palm on wide open lawns to serve as a focal point. Plant several together to form an airy grove. The light shade cast by these palms creates a pleasant environment for gardening or just relaxing on a hot summer day. This palm is drought tolerant and is perfect for low maintenance landscapes. It combines beautifully with grasses (like gamma grass and sand spartina), yuccas (like bear grass and Spanish dagger), wax myrtle and other drought tolerant species. I find that Hispaniola palm provides a nice filtered sunlight that is useful for protecting perennials from midsummer's intense sunlight wilting and bleaching effects. Mature Hispaniola palms are monumental in stature and make impressive sentinel plants for driveways and entrances. Their drought resistant durability and hulking handsomeness make them perfect for lining streets and avenues - I hope they are used more for this purpose.
Features I purchased my Sabal domingensis about 12 years ago from a local nursery under the name Sabal umbraculifera which, as it happens, is incorrect. But, according to the reference Hortus Third, that name is a synonym for Sabal blackburniana which is itself a poorly understood and a "suspect" species. However the name S. blackburniana is often misused to indicate still another species, Sabal bermudana which is another of my favorite sabals. I grow this one too and it seems to be even more cold resistant than S. domingensis. Now that I have you totally confused I want to mention still another stocky relative of our common cabbage palmetto (S. palmetto) which is the Texas palm S. mexicana. The Texas palm is also a highly desirable, drought tolerant palm. I enjoy all of these palms in my Zone 8 landscape and I'm certain that you'll like them too! Jack Scheper 10/27/02; updated 5/21/04
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