Slow growing palms

[Kumar]

I am amazed at the diversity in growth rate in palms from some extremely fast growing species that reach over 45-50 feet in ten years to such slow movers that might grow a foot in the same period. I have often thought as to what evolutionary advantage could such a trait have. It would seem that given that most palms are found either in tropical wet forests or arid zones, fast growers would have a big advantage (except perhaps understorey species in forests). In both zones, light requirements and avoiding being grazed or foraged should make a compelling case for palms to be fast growing.

It is more surprising when you consider that fast and moderately fast gowing species start off at almost the same seedling size, that is to say they have no 'handicap'.

The only explanation I could come up with was that all slow growing varieties are found in protected niches where predation risks are minimal and competition with other plants is low. But can this account for all slow growers ?

[John in Andalucia]

I am amazed at the diversity in growth rate in palms from some extremely fast growing species that reach over 45-50 feet in ten years to such slow movers that might grow a foot in the same period. I have often thought as to what evolutionary advantage could such a trait have. It would seem that given that most palms are found either in tropical wet forests or arid zones, fast growers would have a big advantage (except perhaps understorey species in forests). In both zones, light requirements and avoiding being grazed or foraged should make a compelling case for palms to be fast growing.

It is more surprising when you consider that fast and moderately fast gowing species start off at almost the same seedling size, that is to say they have no 'handicap'.

The only explanation I could come up with was that all slow growing varieties are found in protected niches where predation risks are minimal and competition with other plants is low. But can this account for all slow growers ?

It's all part of the palm-space time continuum, Kumar.

[ariscott]

One thing for sure... they are annoying!! So many sun loving species are also so slow growing, but they won't thrive in the shade. So, I have to be extra careful where I plant them so they won't get shaded with other stuff in my garden. It is ok, if you live in a place where everything grows so slow... but here in the tropics, some stuff grows so fast - they will get shaded in 2-3 years.

Regards, Ari

[rozpalm]

I am not sure that you can simply assume that what is slow in cultivation, is similarly slow in its natural habitat. I think you really have to have this conversation about palms growing in their natural habitat.

[trioderob]

I am not sure that you can simply assume that what is slow in cultivation, is similarly slow in its natural habitat. I think you really have to have this conversation about palms growing in their natural habitat.

its an interesting subject.

in the jungle plants make it in a few ways

1) they grow faster than anything around them

2) they kill anything that grows near them

3) they get insects to kill anything near them

4) they grab on and climb anything thats near them

in the desert they become mean and nasty

1) they get spines to keep things from stealing their water

2) they just stay small so they dont need much water

3) they cover themselves with wax so nothing gets in or out

in the forest

1) they clone themselves

2) they get huge

3) they hibernate

so each plant has a reason for everything it does