Mexican Palmetto, Rio Grande palmetto, Texas Palmetto

Sabal mexicana

Physical Characteristics

Sabal mexicana is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Southern N. America - Texas to Mexico and Guatemala.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; East Wall. By. South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

The fruit is a small dry berry up to 25mm in diameter, with a thin sweet flesh[229]. Although we have seen no records of edibility for this species, the following uses are for the related S. palmetto. They quite probably also apply here[K]. Fruit - raw or cooked[2]. Sweet and pleasant[2]. A nourishing food, though it is said to be an acquired taste[2]. The fruit is up to 12mm long and 3mm wide[200]. Young leaves - raw or cooked. An excellent food[2]. Sap - sweet[2].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known