Today I came across this palm on Sanibel Island.  Looks like they've planted a large amount on some of the beaches on the island . Some type of Sabal or Livistona? 

 

Thrinax radiata

13 hours ago, idontknowhatnametuse said:

Thrinax radiata

Thank you I appreciate the fast response 

Agree with the ID. These have come on strong in the last few years as a good choice for many areas. They are considered to be a SFL native and grow well in full sun. I have a triple that survived the brutal winter although they were almost completely defoliated. They are pushing out new growth including inflorescences which I am removing to allow all the energy for the leaves. My volunteers (1-3 years old) under them all look fine with only some minor cold damage which implies that the wind really was the problem. Well, obviously the cold was the problem too but the wind was crazy. This is a great palm but it does better if protected from the wind. The petioles can be quite long and have a tendency to tear in even modest wind.

Thrinax radiata is a great palm.  As a native, it’s now on the favored list, and is planted by the hundreds in every parking lot, and along every road and highway and median down here.  These do look better with a little shelter and care, but they are planted out in the open right on the beach and still make it, though they get beat up there.    

On 5/10/2026 at 12:58 PM, Johnny Palmseed said:

Agree with the ID. These have come on strong in the last few years as a good choice for many areas. They are considered to be a SFL native and grow well in full sun. I have a triple that survived the brutal winter although they were almost completely defoliated. They are pushing out new growth including inflorescences which I am removing to allow all the energy for the leaves. My volunteers (1-3 years old) under them all look fine with only some minor cold damage which implies that the wind really was the problem. Well, obviously the cold was the problem too but the wind was crazy. This is a great palm but it does better if protected from the wind. The petioles can be quite long and have a tendency to tear in even modest wind.

I see them all over SWFL.  Some got some winter damage east of I-75 in Sarasota but pulling through just fine.  That glossy lime green color is definitely an eye catcher 

Have another ID for you guys. I already told my wife that I want to move to South Florida just for the foliage lol.

@MarcusH

Pandanus utilis

 

 

 

Yes pandanus. Sometimes called Screw Pine. Screw for the nature of the growth. Pine for the pineapple like flavor of the fruit.

19 hours ago, MarcusH said:

Have another ID for you guys. I already told my wife that I want to move to South Florida just for the foliage lol.

A few years back, I saw these near Marineland, just south of St. Augustine FL. I didn't go down there this trip to see if they survived the winter.

This isn’t a palm, but it’s another one commonly used all over down here in yards as a big hedge and later a small tree.