Check Out This Weird Queen Palm

[FishEyeAquaculture]

On the north side of Dade City, FL, off US 301, is the Rainbow Fountain Motel...one of the few remaining “mom n’ pop” motels that once dominated the white shield highways. 

Planted out front is the strangest S. romanzoffiana I have ever seen!!!  So strange, that for years I never even considered that it was a queen, but always wondered what it was. Thanks to Christian Faulkner, @cfkingfish, for setting me straight on it’s ID. 

Anyhow, please share your thoughts on this oddball!

[FishEyeAquaculture]

Closer shot of crown

[kinzyjr]

Looks like stiff fronds, similar to some of the hybrids with Jubaea - but it could just be because it is overtrimmed.

[Fusca]

Interesting "shuttlecock" look with the stiff upright leaves.  It has the look of an over-trimmed palm or hybrid with Attalea!  Certainly is an oddball.

[FishEyeAquaculture]

2 minutes ago, kinzyjr said:

Looks like stiff fronds, similar to some of the hybrids with Jubaea - but it could just be because it is overtrimmed.

For as long as I’ve been eyeing it (9yrs), they’re always very stiff and upright.  Even when it’s not been over-trimmed, it has that stiff look...just more fronds. 

[Cikas]

Maybe a hybrid. 

[Kailua_Krish]

Doesn’t look very plumose either 

[Gonzer]

Definitely not your standard form, nope, no how. Interesting. 

[Kim]

Reminds me more of an Orania of some sort. But that's improbable...