Other Names:  Apak Palm

Description:

A usually single trunked, but occasionally clustering palm, featuring large, fan shaped, sea-green leaves; persistent old leaf bases should be trimmed away; a tough, drought and frost resistant variety; a wonderful addition to the tropical landscape

Ornamental Features

Rock Palm has attractive bluish-green evergreen foliage on a tree with the bulk of the canopy held atop a towering trunk or stem. The large glossy fan-shaped palmate leaves are highly ornamental and remain bluish-green throughout the winter. It is draped in stunning clusters of creamy white flowers hanging below the branches from late winter to early spring. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up. The rough brown bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Rock Palm is an open evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a towering form, with a high canopy of foliage concentrated at the top of the plant. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Rock Palm is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Hedges/Screening

Planting & Growing

Rock Palm will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 150 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.