Photo by Linda Lee

The palm family has 3,000 or so different species and is collectively one of the most economically useful groups of plants in the world. Most palms are trees, but there are also short, shrub–like species. The leaves of palms come basically in two forms and describe the group to which they belong: “fan” palms and “feather” palms. Fan palms are those whose leaf divisions originate more or less at the same point, much like the fingers of your hand (palm!) and form a fan. Feather palms have their leaf divisions on both sides of the leaf midrib, and so resemble the two veins of a feather. The mystery plant is a fan palm.

It was originally described by William Bartram, who made reference to it in his book of travels published in 1741. This palm gets no taller than about 5–6’ tall, as its trunk is essentially horizontal and below the soil. It sometimes forms a small shrub with the trunks elevated. It grows from lower SC, just below Charleston, south throughout FL and over to western LA.

The fronds are bright green or sometimes bluish. The plants are probably most readily identifiable from the series of very sharp teeth lining both sides of the leaf stalk, a characteristic not found in other Southeastern palms. It is at home in damp, sandy woods along the coast and is commonly seen in association with various pines (especially slash and longleaf) as well as a myriad of other savanna and flatwoods species, many of which have showy, conspicuous flowers.

Photo by John Nelson In these habitats, our palm often grows by the thousands, covering acres and forming a shrubby sub– layer below the trees. These habitats are ecologically fire–prone and in nature support fairly frequent wildfires. The plant has leaves which are quite flammable, and the tops of the palm will burn off readily. This species thrives as a result of burning, and unless the fires are especially hot, it resprouts quickly forming new, fresh leaves in a matter of months.

Hundreds of tiny flowers will be produced in a branched panicle, and as with all palms, each is “perfect,” containing both male and female parts. The flowers produce plenty of pollen and nectar, and they are attractive to bees, which make a very fine, light colored honey from them. One–seeded fruits are produced, much resembling those commonly seen on the palmetto tree, only a bit smaller.

Historically, these “berries” have been used medicinally and continuing clinical research suggests some efficacy in the treatment of prostate disorders. Not surprisingly, this plant is now regularly featured as a source for herbal medicines. For more information on palms and the palm family, consider the book Palms throughout the World , by D. L. Jones, Smithsonian Institution Press, 1995.

Answer to last week’s mystery plant

Cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon

Dr. John Nelson is the curator of the USC Herbarium.

To learn more about the Herbarium, call him at

777-8196. His department also offers free plant identification.

www.herbarium.org