Seashore Palm

Allagoptera arenaria (Gomes) Kuntze

al-ah-GOP-tur-ah  air-en-AIR-ee-ah

Arecaceae

Explanation of name: Probably from Greek allagos, alternate, and pteron, wing (JON), apparently in reference to the leaflets arranged all around the leaf axis. Arenaria means sand-dwelling.

Natural range: Brazil

Native habitat: Beaches

Recognition: These small clumping palms with feathery pinnate leaves---having clumped, narrow leaflets with notched tips and silvery undersides arranged all around the rachis---have short, branched, underground trunks and distinctive unbranched spikelike inflorescences.

Landscape uses: A tough species adapted to seaside living, they require sun and well drained soil (JON, RI2), and flourish by the sea, even on beach conditions.

Notes: JON reports the fruits to be edible. ELL reports the seeds to germinate in 3-5 months.