PALMS
BRIEF INFORMATION ABOUT PALMS
DO YOU KNOW THESE?
PALM PLANTING
NATURAL PALMS IN TÜRKİYE
TRAVELLING PALM
PALM SPECIES
BRIEF INFORMATION ABOUT PALM TREES
Palm trees are a group of plants commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. They belong to the Arecaceae family and are monocotyledonous plants with woody trunks. Due to their distinctive appearance, palm trees are generally easy to recognize. However, similar plants such as cycads, pandanus, cordylines, and yuccas are often mistaken for palms by beginners. The Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who developed the modern binomial classification system, referred to palms as the “Princesses” of the plant kingdom because of their elegant appearance.
These plants, which typically grow in tropical and subtropical climates, range in size from only a few centimeters to as much as 60 meters in height. The exact number of palm species worldwide remains uncertain due to differing opinions among botanists, but it is generally accepted that there are around 3,000 species. Although most palms are found in tropical and subtropical regions, they naturally occur between 20° north and 20° south latitudes. The northernmost naturally occurring palm is the Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis), found along the northwestern and southwestern Mediterranean coasts, while the southernmost is the Nikau Palm (Rhopalostylis sapida) of New Zealand.
Palm trees are generally woody plants crowned with large leaves. Most species have a single trunk, although some possess underground trunks or no visible trunk at all. While palms are usually single-stemmed, certain species produce offshoots and become multi-stemmed. There are even climbing palms. Palm leaves are highly distinctive and characteristic in shape. Most species have either palmate (fan-shaped) or pinnate (feather-like) leaves, though other leaf forms also exist.
Among the most widely recognized and cultivated palms are the Coconut and the Date Palm, valued for both their beauty and economic importance. The African Oil Palm is another palm of great economic significance.
In tropical regions, palm leaves are used for constructing house walls and roofs, while leaflets and leaf stalks are woven into bags, baskets, hats, and even a type of paper. Palm trunks serve as building materials and are also used for irrigation channels, small boats, arrows, and spears. In palms of the Metroxylon genus, the fibrous interior of the trunk contains a starch known as sago, which serves as an important food source. In some species, sugary sap obtained by tapping the trunk is processed into sugar or fermented to produce alcoholic beverages. Climbing palms such as Calamus are known as rattan and are widely used to manufacture woven furniture, including chairs, tables, cabinets, and other household items.
The growing tips and young shoots of certain palms are edible and are known as “palm hearts” or “palm salad.” The fruits of many palm species are also edible, with coconuts and dates being the most commercially valuable. Oils used for cooking and frying can be extracted from the seeds of some palms. Palm seeds are also processed into decorative and ornamental items.
The leaves of the palm species Copernicia prunifera, native to northeastern Brazil, produce carnauba wax, which is used in polishes for automobiles and wood products. Fibers from the outer husk of the coconut fruit are used to make mats and ropes, while the husk itself has become a highly sought-after growing medium in horticulture. Raffia, obtained from the leaflets of the Madagascar-native Raffia Palm (Raphia ruffia), is widely used in basket and hat making.
Palm trees are among the most important components of tropical and subtropical vegetation. They are not confined to deserts, beaches, or hot climates but can also be found in mountainous regions and as understory plants in tropical forests. The Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) can tolerate temperatures as low as –18°C, allowing it to grow in parts of Canada and at the foothills of the Alps in Switzerland. Likewise, the Mazari Palm (Nannorrhops ritchiana), native to the mountainous regions of Afghanistan and Iran, can survive temperatures down to –21°C.
The endemic Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica) of the Seychelles produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Its fruits take six years to mature and can weigh between 20 and 25 kilograms. A single leaf of the Madagascar Raffia Palm (Raphia farinifera) can reach 20 meters in length. The Bismarck Palm (Bismarckia nobilis) of Madagascar can grow up to 20 meters tall, while the Wax Palm of the Andes (Ceroxylon alpinium) can reach heights of 60 meters. At the other extreme, the Lilliput Palm (Syagrus lilliputiana) of Paraguay, which may now be extinct in the wild, reaches only 10–15 centimeters in height as an adult.
In the temperate regions of Türkiye, many palm species can adapt successfully to outdoor conditions, while palms can be cultivated indoors throughout the country. Compared with many other exotic plants, palms are relatively easy to grow and maintain. Their limited popularity in Türkiye has largely been due to a lack of information and resources, as well as the reluctance of growers to cultivate them commercially because of their slow growth rate.
DID YOU KNOW?
– There are more than 3,000 species of palm trees in the world.
– The Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) can withstand temperatures as low as –17°C, while Nannorrhops ritchiana, native to the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, can tolerate temperatures down to –22°C.
– The most widely recognized and economically valuable palm species worldwide are the Coconut Palm and the Date Palm.
– One of the two palm species native to Europe is found in Türkiye.
– Phoenix theophrastii (Datça–Crete Date Palm) naturally occurs only on the Island of Crete, the Datça Peninsula, and the Kumluca–Finike region of Türkiye. A related subspecies, Phoenix spp., is found in Gölköy, on the Bodrum Peninsula.
– The seeds of the Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica), native to the Seychelles Islands, can weigh up to 22 kg.
– A single leaf of the Madagascar Raffia Palm (Raphia farinifera) can reach 20 meters in length.
– The Andean Wax Palm (Ceroxylon alpinum) can grow to heights of over 60 meters, while the Lilliput Palm of Paraguay reaches only 10–15 cm as an adult.
– Palm trunks are usually single-stemmed, although there are also species that are multi-stemmed, branching, or climbing.
– In Türkiye, the number of palm species commonly grown outdoors is fewer than ten (excluding specialized palm collections and botanical gardens).
– At Palm Center Nurseries, approximately 90 species and subspecies not previously cultivated in Türkiye have been propagated, and nearly 40 species have been planted in the palm garden.
1. The planting hole for a palm tree should be at least 150 cm wide and 120 cm deep. Good drainage is essential. In clayey or poorly drained soils, the hole should be dug deeper and filled at the bottom with permeable materials such as stones, gravel, rubble, or sand. If serious drainage problems cannot be resolved, it is recommended to place the palm in its original root ball without extensive excavation and build up the surrounding area with suitable fill material. A retaining wall may be required to keep the fill in place.
2. If the excavated soil is poor in organic matter, it should be mixed preferably with well-rotted goat manure, or alternatively sheep or cattle manure. If natural manure is unavailable, leaf mold, peat, forest soil, shredded pine bark, or pine needles may be used instead.
3. Measure the distance from the point where the palm trunk meets the soil to the bottom of the root ball. Fill the planting hole with the prepared soil mixture until this measured distance remains between the surface and the bottom of the hole. If using a special Palm Transplant Kit, spread one-third of the mixture evenly over the base of the hole.
4. Lower the palm into the hole using a crane, excavator, or other suitable lifting equipment. Once the trunk is positioned vertically, fill the hole with the remaining soil mixture. Evenly distribute the remaining two-thirds of the Palm Transplant Kit mixture over the backfill. After filling, the soil should be firmly compacted either mechanically or manually.
5. The palm should then be properly staked and secured, especially if it is tall or located in a windy area. The support system should remain in place for at least nine months as a precaution against instability. Any tied growth spear should remain secured at least until the autumn rains.
6. After planting is completed, create a raised watering basin around the palm with a diameter of approximately 100–120 cm. Water thoroughly until the soil is fully saturated. Subsequent irrigation should be adjusted according to soil moisture conditions; however, during hot summer weather, watering may be required every other day or even daily.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS IN PALM TRANSPLANTATION
Palm transplantation should be carried out during the summer months, as the roots of transplanted palms die back and require warm soil temperatures to produce new roots. Based on our experience in the Mediterranean region, the best time for transplanting is April, May, and June. If transplantation cannot be completed during this period, it should be carried out between September and November.
Unlike most other tree species, palms taller than 8–10 meters should be replanted 50–100 cm deeper than their original planting depth.
The leaves at the growing point should be tied around the newest emerging leaf in order to protect it. It is important to remember that palms generally possess only one growing point (except for clustering species). If this growing point dies, the entire palm will die.
The palm must be firmly secured after planting. If the lower part of the trunk moves or sways, newly developing fine roots may break, preventing successful establishment. For this reason, the trunk diameter should be measured and a custom-made metal collar fabricated by a metalworker. The collar should be attached around the trunk, and the palm should be anchored in four directions using support cables.
The metal collar should consist of two semicircular sections designed to fit around the lower one-third of the trunk. These sections are connected with two bolts at their ends. In addition, the collar should include four metal rings for attaching steel support cables, ensuring the palm remains stable during the rooting period.
NATIVE PALM TREES OF TÜRKİYE
(Adapted from the book “Palm Trees”)
There are natural palm populations in Türkiye that are known to only a small number of people. The country’s native palms are the Datça Date Palm (Phoenix theophrastii) and the recently discovered Gölköy Date Palm (Phoenix theophrastii spp. Gölköy), which is believed to be a subspecies of Phoenix theophrastii.
Datça–Crete Date Palm (Phoenix theophrastii)
Around 400 BC, the Greek botanist Theophrastus wrote about the existence of palm trees on the Island of Crete. Until the early twentieth century, the wild palms growing on Crete were thought to be the common Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera). However, in 1967, the Swedish botanist Werner Greuter demonstrated that these palms belonged to a distinct species and named them Phoenix theophrastii in honor of Theophrastus.
This discovery revealed the existence of a second palm species naturally occurring in Europe, alongside the Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis), which is native to the western and central Mediterranean region. As one of only two palm species considered native to Europe, Phoenix theophrastii holds considerable botanical and conservation significance for Europe and its people.
Author’s Note: Since the Island of Crete lies within the political boundaries of Greece but is geographically situated on the Asian continental shelf, one could argue that this palm species may not strictly belong to the European continent from a geographical perspective.
Phoenix theophrastii occurs in ten different locations on the Island of Crete. In Türkiye, this palm was first discovered on the Datça Peninsula in 1983 by Boydak and Yaka. In 1985, Prof. Dr. Melih Boydak identified additional populations along the Finike Gulf and the Kumluca–Karaöz coastline. In Greek, the word phoenix means “date palm,” and it is believed that the name Finike may have originated from this term.
Both the Datça Date Palm (Phoenix theophrastii) and the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) produce basal offshoots (suckers). However, careful observation reveals several differences between the two species. While the Datça Date Palm can reach heights of up to 17 meters, the Date Palm may grow as tall as 30 meters. The leaves of Phoenix theophrastiiare generally smaller and composed of shorter, thicker leaflets. These leaflets have extremely sharp tips and can easily cause cuts and bleeding if touched carelessly. In addition, the flower stalks and fruits of the Datça Date Palm are smaller than those of the common Date Palm.
The Datça Date Palm is an attractive species with distinctive bluish-green foliage. As the leaves age, they turn brown and may remain attached to the plant for several years. In its natural habitat, the palm forms dense, almost impenetrable thickets due to its thorny branches, dead sharp leaves, and numerous basal offshoots. One of its most remarkable characteristics is its exceptional resistance to fire. Even if all offshoots are burned, new shoots can emerge from the blackened trunk after a fire.
A constant underground water supply is one of the most important requirements for the survival of the Datça Date Palm in nature. It also requires a mild climate for healthy growth. Like the common Date Palm, this species is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.
Flowering occurs in May. The flower stalks of female plants are approximately twice as long as those of male plants. Male palms produce abundant pollen, which is carried by the wind to female plants for pollination. Following pollination, fruits develop and ripen during the autumn.
Unripe fruits are bright orange in color and have an astringent, slightly bitter taste. When fully ripe, the fruits become dark brown, sometimes with a light pink hue, soft in texture, and sweet with a flavor similar to dates. They are edible and are traditionally collected by local people in the Datça region during late September and October. Fresh seeds germinate readily and can sprout within approximately one month at 25°C.
Gölköy Date Palm (Phoenix theophrastii spp. Gölköy)
Although the existence of a palm population in Gölköy, on the northern side of the Bodrum Peninsula, had been known to local residents for centuries, the first scientific visit was carried out in 1988 by landscape architecture professors from Ege University. At that time, these palms were considered to be another population of the Datça Date Palm.
During a visit in 1990, Prof. Dr. Melih Boydak noticed that the Gölköy palms differed from the Datça Date Palm. Subsequent studies conducted together with Sasha Barrow from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew suggested that this palm might represent either a new species distinct from Phoenix theophrastii or a subspecies of it. An article discussing these findings was published in the July 1995 issue of Principes, the journal of the International Palm Society (now known as Palms).
While the palms found in Datça and Finike can reach heights of up to 17 meters, the Gölköy palms rarely exceed 8 meters. The flower stalks of the Gölköy palm have been measured at 60–200 cm in length, whereas those of the Datça Date Palm are typically around 30 cm long. The seeds of the Datça Date Palm are also slightly larger than those of the Gölköy palm.
During a wildfire in June 1993, many Gölköy palms were burned. Remarkably, nearly all of them recovered and continued growing afterward. Even today, many individuals still bear the blackened trunks left by the fire. The palm habitat includes a small lake, and the area is flooded for two to three months during winter. However, springs that feed both the lake and the surrounding land provide a continuous water supply during summer, ensuring favorable conditions for the palms.
For many years, the area has been under pressure from local development and seasonal residents. Isolated native palms can still be seen in the gardens of nearby houses. Phoenix theophrastii is protected under the CITES convention on endangered species. Like the Datça Date Palm populations, the remaining Gölköy palm community has been under nominal protection. In the summer of 1998, signs stating “Property of Bodrum Golf Club Inc. and Fisheries Land – No Entry” were erected, and reports indicated that palms were removed from the site using heavy machinery. By 2003, the area had become overgrown with vegetation due to a lack of maintenance, which indirectly helped reduce human disturbance.
The Palm Center played a major role in introducing the Gölköy Palm to the international horticultural community. Today, young specimens can be found on five continents and in numerous countries. Research on the germination and growth characteristics of this unique palm continues at the center.
PALM TREES AROUND US
I would like to briefly introduce the palm trees that surround us and are unfamiliar to many people.
THE STORY OF THE TRAVELING PALM
Traveller’s Palm one year after planting
While the support rings of the Traveller’s Palm are being removed
Traveller’s Palm in August 2003, healthy and bearing fruit
The Traveller’s Palm is the Washingtonia Robusta, standing 16 meters tall at the entrance of the Palm Center and serving as the symbol of the Center. This palm was originally planted in the 1940s along a roadside in Ulupınar Neighborhood, Köyceğiz, on what is now known as Cumhuriyet Avenue. Thriving in the wet conditions of the area, the palm grew rapidly alongside four companion palms. In September 1999, these palms fell within an expropriation zone due to a municipal road-widening project.
A horticultural company called Gardenya Floriculture, operating in the village of Kavakarası, approximately 20 kilometers from Köyceğiz, purchased the palms that were scheduled for removal and replanted them on its own property for future sale.
The Palm Center later purchased the largest of these five palms. On Tuesday, July 24, 2001, at 3:00 p.m., the palm was removed from its second location in Kavakarası and transported to the Palm Center, where it was replanted in a previously prepared planting pit at the entrance. Thus, the approximately 70-year-old palm, born and raised in Köyceğiz, returned to its hometown. After experiencing the rare event of being relocated twice, the palm became known as the “Traveller’s Palm.”
Including its leaves, the palm measured 18 meters in height. Prior to the move, local authorities were informed and transportation permits were obtained. The palm was excavated using a backhoe and loaded onto a truck with the assistance of a mobile crane brought from Dalaman. During transportation, traffic safety was maintained by escort vehicles traveling in front of and behind the truck. A suitable route through Köyceğiz was selected to reach the Palm Center. Since the long transport vehicle could not maneuver across the bridge in front of the Center, the final placement into the prepared planting pit was carried out by the crane accompanying the convoy.
Because of the high groundwater level at the site, the planting pit could not be excavated deeper than one meter. As a result, the palm’s root ball remained above ground level, and a reinforced concrete wall faced with stone, approximately 130 cm high, was later constructed around it. To stabilize the palm, two custom-made iron rings, produced according to measurements taken during removal, were installed using the ladder of the Toparlar Fire Department vehicle. The palm was then secured with steel cables anchored in four directions.
With special care and maintenance, the Traveller’s Palm adapted quickly to its new location and entered the following year with many healthy new leaves. Showing excellent growth, the palm produced flowers in the spring of 2003 for the first time in four years.
Due to the intensive work involved in establishing the palm collection, the steel support cables could only be removed two years later, on October 23, 2003. Since no ladder in Köyceğiz and its surrounding area was tall enough to reach the crown of the palm, dead leaves were not pruned and were left in place, just as they would be in nature.
