Needle Palms Tree
Soon to be a rare, Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum Hystrix) is a shrub like clumping under story palm that has deep green leaves. The trunk-less Needle Palm gets its common name from the protecting long sharp needles arising from the fiber at the bases of the leaves. The other common name Porcupine Palm comes from the over all appearance which resembles a porcupine. A mature needle palm can grow up to 12 feet tall and wide. It holds the record for the cold-hardiest palm tree as mature plants have been reported to handle temperatures to -15 to -20°F.
This palm tree also has a fiber husk that protects the palm from cold winter weather conditions much like the Windmill Palm and also the European Fan Palm. It is native to the southeastern United States; where it is found growing in the wild from southern South Carolina to southern Florida, and west to southern Mississippi. The needle palm prefers a moist well drained position in sun or shade but grow best, when situated in partial shade. It is not salt tolerant and should avoid water with added sodium. The slow growth of the needle palm produces a waxy covering of the leaves to protect the new spear and leaves from quick cold snaps where temperatures may drop below freezing with out warning.
This is a key feature of the Needle Palms Tree success in surviving extreme cold weather conditions. After conclusive studies the needle palm was found to grow well and remain green after snow and ice storms fell after 5 Consecutive winters Due to heavy demand, large mature needle palms have been rarely seen in their natural habitat. They are often collected as large specimens for northern landscaping for there value and rarity. Needle Palms are considered rare and very expensive in large mature sizes. Some large specimens may end up costing thousands of dollars each. So if it snows where you live, this palm tree is the best for you.
This palm tree will make a great addition to any home, office or landscape. It will give a sense of the tropics with little cost. Its time to go green and buy real palm trees. Palm trees are also great for indoors because they act as a natural humidifier and detoxifier by removing Carbon Monoxide and replacing the air with fresh Oxygen. Real Palm Trees make a home feel like home by giving you the feel of nature inside or out. Buy this palm tree and have a piece of unspoiled nature.
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