Always Reclining?

Plants often defy their “textbook” descriptions. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is no exception. Its species name repens means reclining.

The UF/IFAS publication on saw palmetto states “this slow-growing, small palm only reaches 3 to 6 feet in height.” Outliers are everywhere …

… at Bok Tower …

… at Osprey Acres here in Indian River County …

… and in our yard, a saw palmetto planted 25 years ago is taller than our second floor …

Shading, it sometimes seems, plays a pivotal role in saw palmettos “outgrowing” their supposed size. Be observant!