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Mexican Blue Palm
(Brahea armata)
EAST OF ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM (NORTH BLDG)
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| Walk
back to
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Mexican Blue Palm |
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(Brahea armata) |
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EAST OF ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM (NORTH BLDG) |
| 49 | Flowers mid-June to winter with exceptionally long cream colored streamers followed by thick clusters of marble-like fruits. The palms are prized for their bluish foliage. |
| In Depth | Brahea armata, Mexican Blue Palm |
| Location: EAST OF ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM (NORTH BLDG) | |
| Family: Arecaceae | |
| Distribution: Baja California and Mexico | |
| Habitat: arid regions in well drained soil | |
| Habit: slow growing medium sized palm | |
| Flowering: white flowers form on an inflorescence in the summer | |
| Natural History Notes: The species name, armata, meaning armed refers to the dark thorns located on the leaf stems. This palm is also commonly known as the blue hesper palm. Distinguishing Characteristics: This slow growing palm reaches heights of about 10 feet with a crown spread of about the same length or greater. The trunk is about 2 feet wide with a slightly larger width near the ground. The gray trunk is smooth with the exception of leaf scars. The stems of the leaves are covered with dark thorns and a wooly wax cover at the base. The leaves are silvery-blue in color. These stiff, waxy fronds remain lush and attractive for several years before dying. The fragrant white flowers form in drupes up to 20 inches long in the summer. The flowers than mature to a reddish brown color and produce hard berrylike fruit. Human Uses: This tree is used as an ornamental in public areas, along streets, and in residential landscapes. Its silvery-blue color and neat appearance make it an excellent landscape addition. The leaves of this palm, as most palm species, can be used to make brooms and as thatch for roofing. |