Washingtonia × filibusta Question

[BigBilly]

I am beginning to think that my palm may not possess a significant amount of Filifera genetics, and I would appreciate a second opinion on it.

[SeanK]

Mostly robusta to me.

[jwitt]

I cannot tell from the picture what traits you are seeing that are not filifera.

Leaf color alone points to filifera side. 

Still young.

Overhead shot, and side shot with full view would help.

[Las Palmas Norte]

1 hour ago, jwitt said:

I cannot tell from the picture what traits you are seeing that are not filifera.

Red / chestnut coloring on the petiole bases. A characteristic of W. robusta. 

 

On the flip side of that, mine has very little of that red / chestnut coloring.

 

[jwitt]

Maybe(just a hunch) that red is exacerbated by acidic conditions? Fish emulsion(acidic) produces color on mine. 

These are older pure wild filifera with more colorization than your (I am assuming) filifera hybrid. 

[jwitt]

@Las Palmas NorteYou may be right on the colorization.  I am not as sold on it.

That said, the lower leaf is mostly void of color, and the color becomes pronounced on the newer leaf above it.  Was it fertilized at this point or is it genetics? 

I do like the leaf color on the only leaf visible and spear.  Interested in the leaf split emerging out of the spear.  Also looks like the trunk is beginning to fatten on this young palm.  I like these characteristics . 

 

[Las Palmas Norte]

@jwitt I concede. You win.

[jwitt]

5 hours ago, Las Palmas Norte said:

@jwitt I concede. You win.

No

You bring up great points that may very well be valid, and are commonly held as being correct. 

I personally have some doubts. 

At the end of the day, it would be nice to see what it turns out to be.  

I also believe there are some things not fully understood yet with filifera. 

For the OP, I think there are "some" filifera, or filifera leaning traits present.  

Do I believe it is pure filifera or robusta? No 

[BigBilly]

2 hours ago, jwitt said:

No

You bring up great points that may very well be valid, and are commonly held as being correct. 

I personally have some doubts. 

At the end of the day, it would be nice to see what it turns out to be.  

I also believe there are some things not fully understood yet with filifera. 

For the OP, I think there are "some" filifera, or filifera leaning traits present.  

Do I believe it is pure filifera or robusta? No 

Yeah, I'm hoping it's Filifera leaning cause I need the hardiness in zone 7b, If it's more robusta leaning I'll have to protect it more, Also I haven't fertilized it but the seller may have ...? 

[MarcusH]

All of my Filiferas are young . Three out of 5 I grew from seeds that I got from a forum member who lives close by . He donated those seeds from his mother plant ( Filifera). The larger ones I've picked up from a private nursery . So far all of my Filiferas share the same traits . I'm not sure if they're a 100 percent Filifera but certainly close to it. I also grow a Robusta ( last 2 pictures) so here's some comparison for you. What's interesting how different they grow in sun or shade. One grows in a shaded area it doesn't seem to like it that much . I might relocate it in a year if it won't grow more healthier fronds . The little bitty one that I grew from seeds too ( as seen on the picture) was just planted in the ground about a month ago.  It kept it in a small pot.