Common Name: Blue Hesper Palm

General Information

Brahea armata is a single-stemmed, evergreen palm tree that grows slowly but can reach a height of 13 metres[]. The unbranched stem can be up to 45cm in diameter; it is topped by a crown of 25 - 30 leaves[].
The edible fruits are sometimes gathered from the wild and used locally.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

South-western N. America - Mexico.

Habitat

Dry woodlands, usually on limestone soils[]. Rocky soils at low to medium elevations[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Brahea armata grows better in areas of lower rainfall, often growing poorly in areas of higher rainfall[]. They can tolerate temperatures down to -9°c[, ].
Succeeds in most fertile moist but well-drained soils in a sheltered sunny position[]. Tolerant of poor dry soils[]. Plants generally grow better in poorer, often alkaline soils, not growing so well in richer, acid soils[]. Plants are drought and heat tolerant[]. Plants grow well in full sun, even when small[].
Palms usually have deep penetrating root systems and generally establish best when planted out at a young stage. However, older plants are substantially more cold tolerant than juvenile plants[]. In areas at the limit of their cold tolerance, therefore, it is prudent to grow the plants in containers for some years, giving them winter protection, and only planting them into their permanent positions when sheer size dictates[].
Palms can also often be transplanted even when very large. Although the thick fleshy roots are easily damaged and/or desiccated, new roots are generally freely produced. It is important to stake the plant very firmly to prevent rock, and also to give it plenty of water until re-established - removing many of the leaves can also help[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[, ]. The fruit is almost certainly edible either raw or cooked[]. It is about 2cm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in containers. Germination of fresh seed usually takes place in 3 - 4 months at 25°c[]. Stored seed is very slow to germinate. Pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water prior to sowing may shorten the germination time. Plants form a long tap-root some time before forming a shoot so it is best to sow 2 - 3 seeds per deep pot. Plant them out into their permanent positions as soon as possible.

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