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.

Brahea

Brahea 'Super Silver'

Brahea aculeata

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.

Brahea armata

Brahea brandegeei is a single-stemmed palm that is sensitive to frost. It features expansive, pleated leaves that can reach over 1 meter (3 feet) in diameter, displaying a green upper surface and blue-grey underneath. During the summer months, this palm produces cream-colored flowers arranged in branched clusters known as panicles. The trunk exhibits a wider base that gradually narrows as it ascends.

Brahea brandegeei

Brahea calcarea

Brahea decumbens

Brahea dulcis is a palm that can reach heights of up to 7.5 meters, featuring a solitary trunk. Its leaf stalks are spiny, supporting leaves that are green or have a subtle blue-green hue, divided into approximately 30 to 50 lobes. In the summer, this species produces panicles of cream-colored flowers, extending up to 3 meters in length, which are succeeded by rounded, green-brown fruits measuring about 6 millimeters.

Brahea dulcis

Brahea edulis is a slowly growing palm characterized by a solitary trunk and broad, pleated leaves that can reach heights of up to 12 meters (40 feet). The leaves are a mid-green hue and develop a downward arch as they mature. The trunk has a grey-brown coloration, widest at the base and narrowing as it ascends. During the summer months, established specimens produce cream-colored flowers on branched inflorescences (panicles), which are succeeded by edible green-brown fruits.