Brahea armata

The Mexican palm, Brahea armata, has become very popular in many parks and gardens in Europe, because of the leaves’ silver-grey colour. It creates an exciting element among all the other green palms. Brahea armata appreciates mild winters, but handles easily some freezing degrees (down to -10 °C). More established individuals manage down to -15 °C for shorter periods. But to gain this hardiness, the palm has to get a lot of sun and heat during the season of growth. The ground should be rather dry during the cold period. In fact, the ground should be dry all the year around. Good drainage should be in order in areas with much precipitation.

Brahea armata can reach 15 metres in height if grown in good conditions, but few individuals get higher than 10-12 metres. The trunk is very thick, if compared to the height. A 10 metre high Brahea armata can have a 0,5 metre thick trunk. Like the name says (armata = armed), this palm can be dangerous. It is armed with lots of thorns.

Brahea armata is native to Mexico, where it can be located in desert areas and places with very good drainage like hillsides with rocky and sandy soil. The highest density of Brahea armata is in Baja California. The palm grows quite slow and it has high demands concerning the soil. The soil should be lightly alkaline (pH < 7). If a Brahea armata starts to thrive it can set small white flowers. Fruits follow the flowers. The fruits are approximately 2 cm in diameter.

Like with Washingtonia robusta, the dead leaves have to be cut off if you do not want a “skirt” from bottom till top (picture number 2). You have to be very careful when planting a Brahea armata, because the roots are extremely sensitive. If some of the roots get destroyed, it could weaken the palm greatly. These major damages could turn out very difficult for the palm to handle. Death could come out as the final result.

This palm has high demands concerning sun and heat during the summer, but even in such conditions the palm cannot compete with species like Sabal minor and Rhapidophyllum hystrix when it comes to hardiness. Brahea armata should be tested in the dry and sunny areas along the southeastern coast of Norway, the southernmost areas of Denmark and perhaps also the southernmost parts of Sweden.

Pictures: Brahea armata, photo by  www.texasriviera.com og www.hortiplex.gardenweb.com