What’s the Role of Crownshaft Tomentum?

[ParkerK]

Happy Saturday Palmtalkiens!

I have to ask, because of my never ending curiosity and need for understanding, but what purpose does the tomentum on the crownshaft of palms serve? Has anything been researched and documented on the role tomentum serves evolutionarily or as a benefit for the plants survival? Does the powdery white material protect the crownshaft from over exposure to sunlight? From insects and pathongenic fungi or bacteria?

Sorry for the ramble, just voicing some thoughts as a passenger on the drive back from the San Diego Botanic Garden (I’ll post some photos of the goodies I got to see there soon!).

 

Thanks for helping scratch the curiosity itch!

[ParkerK]

I thought some more, what is the chemical composition of tomentum? It seems rather waxy so maybe it’s to expel excessive moisture inside the crown to prevent rot and fungus?

I’m just so interested! 

[Steve Mac]

I don't know if tormentum does have any desirable effects, but from an evolutionary point of view it does not have to.

As long as it does not hinder survival it can be carried on indefinitely.

Even the human body has a lot of 'design' defects that have no evolutionary advantage but stay in there in there,

but they need a really good reason to be selected against too.

[richnorm]

17 hours ago, ParkerK said:

I thought some more, what is the chemical composition of tomentum? It seems rather waxy so maybe it’s to expel excessive moisture inside the crown to prevent rot and fungus?

I’m just so interested! 

If you mean the white waxy bloom like on Dypsis onilahensis that's wax laid in scales/powder.  Tomentum like you see on  say Dypsis leptocheilos is composed of small hairs.