Palm Tree Plantings at McCarty Hall at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.

[kylecawazafla]

Hello everyone! Way back in the day... 2007... I started putting together a palm tree garden at the University of Florida. Anyways, a BIG thanks to this forum for making it possible. I requested plant and monetary donations from members on this forum, and everything finally came together! (Specifically Bubba, Tank, the CFPACS members, Metal Fan, and many many more - I sincerely apologize if I did not mention your name!! Please include it here or message me because I would like to know everyone who helped out!) Well, I live in Miami now, but took some photos on a recent trip back to see some friends graduate. I don't think the garden has gotten below 27 F yet. It is in an exceptional microclimate. I was DEFINITELY surprised by how many palms were still alive and thriving. Particular surprises were a Heliconia rostrata, Kerriodoxa elegans, Dypsis lutescens, Dypsis decaryi, and many more.

Here is one of the original Butiagrus

Livistona saribus

Chamaedorea radicalis

Butiagrus and Ravenea rivularis - the majesty defoliated the first year it was planted. I'm glad to see it is alive!

[kylecawazafla]

Dypsis lutescens - this used to be a houseplant in my apartment room in Gainesville.

Arenga engleri

Acrocomia sp.

Ravenea rivularis - this is in a more protected area, but consequently gets less sun. It is growing more slowly than I would have imagined.

[kylecawazafla]

Wallichia densiflora - a very slow grower as well, although it is in a lot of shade. Look at the variegated pothos in the background taking over!

Flawless Kerriodoxa elegans

Arenga micrantha - another very slow grower, but it is also in a lot of shade.

I like Dave in La Habra's name for these palms. Syagrus romance your pants off. These Queen Palms get ample sunshine and probably lots of water as well. They were hands-down, the fastest growers.

[kylecawazafla]

Allagoptera arenaria - growing slowly

Dypsis decaryi

Trachycarpus wagernianus

Caryota sp. himalayana maybe a C. urens?

The Bismarckia nobilis is getting shaded by the vigorous growth of the Oleanders. Hopefully it will prevail, and it doesn't look too bad right now!

Sabal causiarum

[Sutter Bob]

Lots of great looking palms.

What are your typical lows there?

[kylecawazafla]

Sabal sp. Anyone know what it is?

Sabal causiarum

Livistona decora and Livistona mariae

Livistona decipiens

Copernicia alba

[kylecawazafla]

Here are some non-palm plants growing in the gardens

Calliandra haematocephala

Monstera deliciosa

Cyathea australis

Ficus elastica

Heliconia rostrata

Epipremnum aureum

[Alicehunter2000]

Hey Kyle, good to see you post again. I still have the avocado "Gainesville" that you gave me the fruit/seed from. It is about 6 ft. tall...will try and post a pic. I am trying to remember what little seedlings that I gave you when my wife and I stopped by on our way to Orlando. Was it the Caryota sp.? (I think the PT member identified the seed as C. urens possibly) I remember that I had quite a few of these from seed that we picked up in Miami. Anyway, everything looking good and let everyone know what your doing now and where your located.

Also, still think I might have a seedling from the S.causiarum....at the time we thought it was a S.causiarum x S. palmetto hybrid?

[bubba]

Kyle, That was a great project in an outstanding micro-climate at UF.You have obtained outstanding results with a number of tropicals that are certainly out of the ordinary. From my time at UF, I remember the Syagrus, the Sabal causariuim and the exceedingly tall Butigrus. Interestingly, a line of Melaleuca interspersed with Brazlian Pepper were planted and flourished in the same area. The Avocado tree was vigorous and a Traveller's survived. Did you try a Royal ?

[tank]

Kyle,

Thanks for the pics. The Caryota and Kerriodoxa look great. The Dypsis looks great as well.

Dave,

Any seed from that S. causiarum are more than likely hybrids. Interestingly (sort of), it could be a cross with the large hybrids located behind that tree in the picture.

Bubba,

Talking with Kyle the other day, they apparently have planted several avocados in the courtyard.

[Moose]

Cold hardy experimentation and testing by Kyle!

[edric]

Great photos Kyle, is that an I-phone 6+? thanks, Ed

[kylecawazafla]

I'll be back in a few weeks to take updated photos!!!