Nor Cal bike-by: Ravenea rivularis (?)

[awkonradi]

I encountered this trio of Ravenea rivularis (?) while biking through San Mateo.  I know this species is common in warmer climes, and these specimens are not too pretty, but these are the first I have noticed outdoors in the San Francisco Bay Area.  I wonder if these are 20 years old.

Edited April 19, 2018 by awkonradi

[Chris Chance]

Yep you're correct. I see them all over my area. Seems like they want heat but hate frost.

[Ben in Norcal]

You see them around in Norcal.  That one doesn't look great - I bet it doesn't get enough water.

[Josue Diaz]

Here's one i grew in Chowchilla for several years.  It was later removed by the new owners to build a patio. Chowchilla is both hotter in summer and colder in winter than San Mateo.

[Jim in Los Altos]

That triple looks like it's got some frost damage. It's right next to green turf so I hope it benefits from that irrigation. Still it looks a bit thirsty and in need of fertilizer. They are hungry, thirsty palms. 

[Ben in Norcal]

3 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

That triple looks like it's got some frost damage. It's right next to green turf so I hope it benefits from that irrigation. Still it looks a bit thirsty and in need of fertilizer. They are hungry, thirsty palms. 

Agree with you for the most part Jim, but they didn't take any damage whatsoever here this winter - even in pots sitting fully exposed!  These guys are pretty hardy.  I'd say they should be more widely grown here, but they are a PITA.  R. glauca is a much better choice - so trouble free.  I have a large trunking one on the way.

[enigma99]

Josue, that one looks good. Sadly all the ones I see in my area are too dry.

Mine has never taken damage and I try to keep it wet in the summer, but it is a real slug. Not a fast palm for me at all

This one in Sacramento is decent but probably could use more water

[Jim in Los Altos]

8 hours ago, Ben in Norcal said:

Agree with you for the most part Jim, but they didn't take any damage whatsoever here this winter - even in pots sitting fully exposed!  These guys are pretty hardy.  I'd say they should be more widely grown here, but they are a PITA.  R. glauca is a much better choice - so trouble free.  I have a large trunking one on the way.

Ben, those damaged leaves are old and likely a few years old so past years winter's frosts are still a possibility. Notice how all the younger leaves look pretty fresh. I'm just speculating of course but it's typical of what I've seen in these in colder winters.

[Ben in Norcal]

8 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

Ben, those damaged leaves are old and likely a few years old so past years winter's frosts are still a possibility. Notice how all the younger leaves look pretty fresh. I'm just speculating of course but it's typical of what I've seen in these in colder winters.

True.  Could be a lot of things.  Probably would have grown out of that damage by now with plentiful water and fert!