New Syagrus species discovered!

[Palm Hound]

Yesterday, I took a trip down south to San Clemente (southern most city of Orange County, California) when I spotted palms that had stems and leaves just like the S. romanzoffiana. There was one notable difference, the leaves were bright yellow. I often spot feeble, nutrient deficient Queens, but not like in S.C.  There were great numbers of them, all over. It makes me wonder if the soil is lacking Mg, and no one makes an effort to feed the palms themselves. OK, this is not a new species or form, but it was a good attention grabber. What do you think the problem is?

Disappointed in O.C., Dave

[MattyB]

Hi Dave.  Hmmmmm, I know what you're talking about but I don't remember seeing an extraordinary amount of these in San Clemente.  Maybe El Blanco in Dana Point or Pogobob in San Clemente can elaborate.  Maybe it has something to do with our drought?

[osideterry]

The extremely yellow queens I see usually have an almost black trunk, making the yellow seem even brighter. Between being underwatered, underfed, and overpruned, only about 1 in 10 Syagrus look remotely happy in my neighborhood.

[Tyrone]

They're Syagrus lutescens. That's what we call them over here. They get shrivel top alot. Is that a different form??

Tyrone