Aalexander Palm - Ptychosperma elegans

The Alexander Palm, also known as the Solitaire Palm, has a slender, gray trunk ringed with old leaf scars and swollen at the base. This palm, solitary by its nature, can also be found in the South Florida landscape planted with multiple trunks. Typically observed in the landscape at 20 to 25 feet, this palm is capable of achieving heights up to 40 feet. It will grow well in full sun and partial shade and is sometimes used as an interiorscape palm. The Alexander Palm has a moderate growth rate, moderate drought tolerance and low salt tolerance. It will adapt to a wide range of soil types but prefers a fertile, well-drained soil. It requires a moderate level of nutrition and does best if planted in an area protected from cold and drying winter winds. This palm is a good choice for courtyards, small lawns and other confined areas. A mature specimen may have leaf sizes 6 to 8 feet long, pinnately compound with leaflets 2.5 inches long by 3 to 5 inches wide. In the summer months these palms may produce large panicles of fragrant creamy-white flowers followed by red fruits beneath the crown shaft.