| Plant: The only native palm to Southern California. It
has a
large, gray unbranched trunk with horizontal lines and vertical
fissures.
California species grows 20 to 60 feet tall and is found in secluded
desert canyons and along
fault lines. Mexican species is taller with a thinner trunk. |
 |
| Flowers: In the spring, huge clusters of white, 3-lobed, funnel-shaped flowers, about 1/2 inch long, hang down from leaf bases. |  |
| Fruit: An oval berry. | |
| Leaf: Numerous evergreen leaves, composed of leaf stalks, 3 to 5 feet long, with hooked spines along the edges, shaped like fans. |  |
| Flowering period: | June |
| Use by Indians: | They ate the berries and used the leaves for roof thatch and weaving applications. |
| Can be found here: | Big Canyon, Indian Springs |
| Native Plant: Yes | Halophyte: No |
| Family Name: Palm |
|
| Similar Species: California Fan Palm and Mexican Fan Palm |
Date: 10/17/2005
|