Where can I find Kentiopsis oliviformis in Florida?

[Mrmills023]

I am in the southern Orlando area and have been searching for 15-30 gallon Kentiopsis oliviformis. I call nurseries around here and nobody knows what I’m talking about. Most say they’ve never heard of it. It’s strange to me that a beautiful palm that is relatively cold hardy is not more popular around these parts. I’m willing to travel to find one, any recommendations of nurseries known to carry them within a few hours of central Florida?

[kinzyjr]

@Mrmills023 Welcome to PalmTalk!

RSVP for the CFPACS meeting on October 4th, 2024:

https://www.palmtalk.org/forum/topic/89888-central-florida-palm-cycad-society-fall-2025-meeting/

If you look at @Fishinsteeg234's list, he'll have 1G for sale under the updated botanical name: Chambeyronia oliviformis

[Johnny Palmseed]

6 hours ago, Mrmills023 said:

I am in the southern Orlando area and have been searching for 15-30 gallon Kentiopsis oliviformis. I call nurseries around here and nobody knows what I’m talking about. Most say they’ve never heard of it. It’s strange to me that a beautiful palm that is relatively cold hardy is not more popular around these parts. I’m willing to travel to find one, any recommendations of nurseries known to carry them within a few hours of central Florida?

That is actually a common issue. Most nurseries only carry what will sell quickly to most people. Even if it’s exactly the same stuff that you can get from Lowe’s or Home Depot. Keeping plants alive is risky and costly so they won’t want to put too much into “rare” palms, even though we might not consider them rare. We used to see some non standard palms for sale over here at Rockledge Gardens, but I think their palm expert is gone and so are the uncommon palms. Lukas Nursery in Oviedo has some unusual palms but they don’t list this in their inventory. As stated above, you can find these at palm sales but probably not in a 15 gallon size. Unless you go south to the SFL area, your chances are going to be limited. MB Palms in Orlando does show them in inventory up to 3, 15, and 100 gallon but they are typically not open to the public. They do have an open house usually once a year and they do go to the Leu Gardens sale in the spring. They have quality plants although the guy has been reported to be difficult to deal with one on one. I would think that this would be the closest place where you will find this palm.

[Merlyn]

@Mrmills023 you could try asking Uncle Jutty's Nursery on Boggy Creek.  It's been a few years since I've gone there, but they did have some unusual palms too.  I don't recall seeing KO (now CO) there or at Lukas, but it's worth asking.  If you fancy a trip to Miami there are several places (like Redlands) that carry all kinds of palms like that.

[rj96]

12 hours ago, Mrmills023 said:

I am in the southern Orlando area and have been searching for 15-30 gallon Kentiopsis oliviformis. I call nurseries around here and nobody knows what I’m talking about. Most say they’ve never heard of it. It’s strange to me that a beautiful palm that is relatively cold hardy is not more popular around these parts. I’m willing to travel to find one, any recommendations of nurseries known to carry them within a few hours of central Florida?

Unique Plants and Palms in Jacksonville has them

[TampaBayRay]

Ive got them upto about 12’ tall planted out.  Im not in Orlando though, just west of ya in Mango.  PM me for more info

[TampaBayRay]

Ive got them from 5’-12’ tall.   The biggest have over 4”caliper bases😍

[Mrmills023]

Thanks for all the recommendations! You all have given me a few leads to track down!

[Mrmills023]

18 hours ago, kinzyjr said:

@Mrmills023 Welcome to PalmTalk!

RSVP for the CFPACS meeting on October 4th, 2024:

https://www.palmtalk.org/forum/topic/89888-central-florida-palm-cycad-society-fall-2025-meeting/

If you look at @Fishinsteeg234's list, he'll have 1G for sale under the updated botanical name: Chambeyronia oliviformis

Thanks for the invite! I’m pretty new to the palm world, I noticed it says to bring a plant for auction, is that required? 😅. I’d love to connect and check out some cool palms though when are RSVPs due? Thanks!

[kinzyjr]

9 minutes ago, Mrmills023 said:

Thanks for the invite! I’m pretty new to the palm world, I noticed it says to bring a plant for auction, is that required? 😅. I’d love to connect and check out some cool palms though when are RSVPs due? Thanks!

No, that's not a requirement.  This meeting especially will have no shortage of plants available.

RSVP via email to cfpacs.membership@gmail.com.  Just state you are interested in attending the fall meeting and you'll get an email back giving you the site addresses.