About

Brahea armata is a tall palm that can reach heights of up to 15 meters. It features a solitary trunk adorned with fibrous leaf bases. The leaf stalks are armed with spines and can extend up to 1.5 meters. The foliage consists of blue-green, waxy leaves that measure between 1 to 2 meters in width, each divided into approximately 50 lobes. In summer, this species produces long, arching flower panicles that can grow up to 4 meters, showcasing vibrant yellow blooms about 1.5 centimeters in diameter. These flowers are followed by rounded fruit that is yellow-brown in color and approximately 2 centimeters in length.

About the genus

Brahea is a genus of palm trees native to Mexico and Central America. Commonly referred to as hesper palms, these plants are characterized by their broad, fan-like foliage.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1C

Plant details

Plant type

Palms

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

Higher than 12 metres

Spread

4-8 metres

Time to full height

20-50 years

Suggested uses

Architectural, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants

Native to

Mexico

Care notes

Cultivation

In frost-prone areas, grow young specimens in full light as houseplants or under glass at 5-15°C in peat-free, loam-based potting compost, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly while in growth, water sparingly in winter, and pot on or top-dress in spring - for more advice, see palm cultivation indoors; in frost-free areas, grow in well-drained soil in full sun; will tolerate poor, dry soil, and though frost-tender will survive short periods at 0°C - for more advice, see palm cultivation outdoors

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Sow seed at 23-27°C in spring

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free