Nice small scale Phoenix reclinata form

[Eric in Orlando]

This Phoenix reclinata is growing in Winter Garden, FL, about 20 miles west of Orlando. It is probably a hybrid but I love the smaller size of the palm. 

[Eric in Orlando]

[Palm Tree Jim]

Do you know the age of this plant?

Regardless, I agree a very cool hybrid.

[Tracy]

25 minutes ago, Palm Tree Jim said:

Do you know the age of this plant?

Looking at how raised up that mound is, it would appear that they have been trimming new growth points for a long time.  Its a tangle of roots and new growth at the base.  Its amazing at how prolific P reclinata is at producing offsets, you really have to stay on top of trimming the new growth back or they get so dense you can't get in to do it without harm.

[Palm Tree Jim]

2 hours ago, Tracy said:

Looking at how raised up that mound is, it would appear that they have been trimming new growth points for a long time.  Its a tangle of roots and new growth at the base.  Its amazing at how prolific P reclinata is at producing offsets, you really have to stay on top of trimming the new growth back or they get so dense you can't get in to do it without harm.

Having 2 in my garden, you are so right on how prolific these palms are at producing offsets. It requires lots of work on keeping them tidy looking.....at least for me.

And let's not forget it's a "bloody job" at times.

I want to guess at least 20 years old on this reclinata?

[Phoenikakias]

Finally I have come across the information that there should be several ecotypes of this sp. Therefore what seems to be reclinata hybrid, needs not also to be such...

[kinzyjr]

5 hours ago, Eric in Orlando said:

This Phoenix reclinata is growing in Winter Garden, FL, about 20 miles west of Orlando. It is probably a hybrid but I love the smaller size of the palm.

The perfect form of reclinata for those of us without large lots.  Thank you for sharing this!

[Tracy]

7 hours ago, Palm Tree Jim said:

I want to guess at least 20 years old on this reclinata?

I would agree with emphasis on at least.  I have a more traditional looking one in Carlsbad that I planted about 20 years ago.  I've told the story many times.  I planted 3 small one gallon plants and they all appeared to die, but shortly thereafter a new one sprouted from where one of my dead plants was.  I've tried to keep it at 4 or 5 main stems and not allow it to expand its footprint.  I haven't been in that backyard since late winter, so need to check up on my landscaper to make sure he's keeping it under control.  Back to your comment though, based on the shorter leaves of the original posted plant it is a hybrid with something smaller.  I wouldn't be surprised if its older, although I don't know the speed of growth for these in that part of Florida compared to here. 

I was enticed to plant them after always admiring the ones in front of the waterfront San Diego County Administration building and the ones scattered around Mission Bay.  If maintained properly they can look spectacular, if not maintained they are a nasty thicket.

[Rose]

In Africa these "nasty thickets" are a veritable hive of wildlife. Sanctuary for birds, lizards , mongoose, tortoise, small deer, genets.... everything just loves getting in there or burrowing under the roots. Entire eco systems unto themselves. The best thing is to leave them well alone and provide ample water. Eventually they clean themselves. Old clumps look perfectly manicured all by themselves as they slow down production of shoots as they get older. Meantime anytime during the twenty to thirty odd years wait should the thicket look get out of control stand well back, drop a match in there. Those old dry leaves that rustle so charmingly in the breeze burn like crazy. In an instant you will have a towering inferno, which as mightily impressive as it will be will also only last an instant. This doesn't affect the palm at all. Within a month or two it will look even more vibrant and fecund than before but pretty much cleaned up from top to bottom! LOL.  The wild-life wont fare so well but as it's suburbia your rat problem will be solved.  After the rain the ash turns everything bright green and lush, it could almost be a Phoenix sp, lovely velvet black trunks and all.

If you want the dwarf but in proportion look go for a clump of P. roebelenii, three, five, even seven planted as one as seedlings look fantastic all grown up. I have such a mini oasis near a small pond in a courtyard. Or find the clumping "Eco types" in Vietnam or Thailand. You will will still swear blue murder removing the dead leaves. Thorn pricks from Phoenix infect very easily because the very tip, needle sharp is also fragile and breaks off lodging deep in the skin.

[Eric in Orlando]

That house was built around 1920. It is just a few blocks north of downtown Winter Garden and on the edge of the older neighborhood. I'm not sure how long that palm has been there.

If you keep up with pruning the suckers out the palm will slow down offshoot production after several years.