Holidays in Miami

[ced.33]

Hello,

I'll come in Miami for holidays.

I wonder where are the best places to see palm trees in the parcs in Miami. I wonder to see the wild palm trees in the countryside (Sabal, Rapidophyllum...)too.

I would like to visit some private gardens (tropical garden). I'm very interested to meet people who share my passion.

Thank you

CED.33

[bgl]

Hi Cedric,

Welcome to the IPS PalmTalk Forum! There must be plenty of Florida members who can help you out here. And don't miss Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden!

Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii!

Bo-Göran

[Gtlevine]

I loved Montgomery Botanical Gardens, even better than Fairchild.

[DoomsDave]

Go to both Monty and Fairchild if you can.

And, remember, the whole city and all of south Florida is one mouthwatering palmy paradise.

Welcome to our group, and I hope you take pictures!

I went there more than a year ago, and I still get the warm fuzzies remembering it!

[FRITO]

welcome!

you wont find Rapidophyllum hystrix native that far south. you must travel farther north to around Gainesville. They are up here in the Panhandle as well - native in habitat at Torreya state park off the Appalachicola river.

Edited February 15, 2009 by FRITO

[ced.33]

Thank you all for you welcoming.

I would like to see wild Rapidophyllum, but i'll stay on the southern part of Florida (never mind!).

What are the species of wild palms that i 'll see in the South (In the Everglades or near Fort Myers).

I 'm interested to visit garden of members. It's a good opportunity for me to share and to learn about the local gardens

I don't know if there is a botanic or horticulture school near Miami (i would like visit them).

Thanks again.

CED33

[FRITO]

ced, there are many members that live in south florida here.

as far as native palms down there. Sabal palmettos are everywhere, get away from the cities to see nbtive stands.

check this thread aboutnative Royal palms. Jay and others have documented the best place to view these. http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=16635

where are you traveling from?

[mlovecan]

For Royals and Acoelorrhaphe wrightii, take a bit of a trip down "Alligator Alley". Sabals ( as mentioned ) and silver saw palmettos are everywhere in the state.

[Dave-Vero]

Bear in mind that Montgomery Botanical Center doesn't allow visitors except for occasional special events (like the spring palm sale). It could be worth checking with them in advance for special permission.

[koolthing78]

I've heard of rhapidopyllum growing in Highlands Hammock state park, but that's still a ways from where you're going to be (by a few hours). It depends on how badly you'd like to see them, I guess

[DoomsDave]

Go to the Southwest Coast of Florida on Route 42 near Marco Island, and you'll be able to see Roystoneas in habitat. In the Keys you'll be able to see Thrinax radiata, and even Psuedophoenix sargentii.

And coconuts everywhere!

[Eric in Orlando]

Rhapidophyllum is native as far south as Highlands Co. but along the east coast only to Brevard.

Sabal etonia and S. palmetto grow wild in the Miami area but not S. minor. And S. miamiensis is believed extinct in the wild.

[Kev Spence]

Ced as I mentioned on the PNW forum check out the Thrinax morrisii on the way down to Key West.

or check out this short you-tube link from said forest below.

The Corypha utan are fairly big at Fairchild

[ced.33]

Thank you for your answers.

Kev Spence, your pictures are so beautiful. I'm very Hasten to be there.

About Montgomery Botanical Gardens, do you know the manager or do you have the email to contact somebody. I 'll wish to visit this parc too.

I'm stilll interesting to visit private tropical gardens.

How can I make the differences between Sabal etonia and S. palmetto.

Thanks so much.

CED33

[bgl]

Cedric,

Regarding Montgomery - I'm sending you a PM (Private Message).

Bo-Göran

[jayfro6]

I think you would be satisfied with the nice examples of Rhapidophyllum hystrix and Sabal etonia at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens. Sabal etonia is often a major component of the "scrub" community which is easiest to locate in south Florida where ancient sand dunes were left behind in places that are no longer directly on the beach. You can see where they are by looking for Pinus clausa (sand pine). Here is a description:

http://www.ncsu.edu/project/dendrology/ind...d/sandpine.html

There normally are a few Sabal palmettos growing with Sabal etonia, but S. etonia with have inflorescence while not having a trunk.

I hope you'll also enjoy seeing the native Florida cycad, the Florida coontie, which is common in highway medians. They are subtle, like these planted to the right of the coconut palm, so you have to be watching to find them!