Amazing Facts About The Palm Tree

Here are some important things you may not know about the palm tree.

• Did you know that the palm tree has over 230 genera and over 2500 species currently known? All of the different varieties of palm trees belong to the Arecaceae family. Most palm trees are restricted to the sub-tropical and tropical regions and in counties with warm temperate climates.

• Not all plants that are called “palms” are really palms, and not all palm trees are “trees.” The Arecaceae family is composed of shrubs, trees and long, woody vines called lianas. But plants such as the yucca palm, Torby palm, traveler’s palm and sago palm do not belong to the Arecaceae family.

• Palms can be divided two groups, according to their type of leaves: palmate or fan-shaped leaves and pinnate or feather-shaped leaves.

• Palm trees are religious symbols. Palms are mentioned many times in the Bible and in the Quran. Palm leaves were used by the people of Jerusalem to greet Jesus as he enters the city; this is now a tradition and celebrated during Palm Sunday which takes place a week before Easter.

• There are many staples that come from palm trees. The most obvious product of the palm tree is the coconut. The others are dates, betel nuts and acai fruit. Palm oil also comes from the oil palm tree.

• Colombia’s national tree, the Quindio wax palm, is the tallest-growing species of palm and can grow up to 197 feet tall.

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