Sabal miamiensis

Sabal miamiensis is one of the rarest sabal palms, one that is even scarcely seen in botanic gardens. It was first described in 1985 by botanist Scott Zona, but is now virtually extinct in the wild because of development in south Florida, where it was originally native to alkaline (oolitic limestone) coastal soils in Broward and Dade County. In appearance, Sabal miamiensis appears somewhat like a dwarf Sabal palmetto, but taxonomically, it is more closely related to the arid growing Sabal etonia. Like Sabal etonia, it has a subterranean trunk, a compact crown of very costapalmate (folded) leaves, and arching stalks of flowers that extend beyond the leaves and start blooming later than Sabal etonia, (mid-July in NC), although they lack the overpowering floral fragrance of Sabal etonia. Sabal miamiensis also has the largest seed of any sabal species. Thanks to NC gardener Mike Papay for sharing seed from his 7.5' tall x 10' wide, twelve-year old specimen.