Brahea edulis aka Guadeloupe Palm

Brahea edulis, the Guadalupe palm, belongs to the palm family. It comes from Guadalupe Island, off Mexico’s west coast. It grows on steep, rocky slopes and in dry woodland. Its habitat also includes scrub on volcanic cliffs and slopes. Useful Tropical Plants reports an endangered listing from 2011. Introduced goats eat its seeds and may hinder new growth.

This evergreen palm grows slowly and forms one upright trunk. Garden plants reach about 26–39 feet [8–12 metres] tall. Their spread reaches about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. PACSOA gives a height near 33 feet [10 metres]. The RHS gives 20–50 years to reach full size. The grey-brown trunk narrows from a broad base toward the crown. Its stem can reach about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] across. The crown holds about 20 large, green leaves. These pleated, fan-shaped leaves bend downward as they age. Unlike other Brahea palms, this species sheds its dead leaves.

Mature trees flower in summer, with cream blooms on branched panicles. Green-brown fruit follows the flowers. The RHS and PACSOA both describe the fruit as edible. Useful Tropical Plants reports local food use from wild palms. Plants For A Future gives a low edibility rating. Its account suggests raw or cooked use, but notes limited reports. The fruit measures about 0.11 feet [0.035 metres] across. The sources report no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for pets.

Grow this palm in full sun with shelter and good drainage. It accepts clay, loam or sand across a broad pH range. It tolerates poor, dry soil and drought. High humidity and heavy rainfall can hinder growth. The RHS rates it H4; Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 9–11. Mature palms can suit mild southern, urban and coastal UK sites. Under glass, use peat-free compost with a loam base. Water moderately during growth and sparingly in winter. Apply balanced liquid feed monthly during the growing season.

This palm suits courtyards, coastal gardens, patios and greenhouse displays. Growers also use it as an ornamental street tree. It needs no routine pruning. Remove low, dead fronds when a clear trunk is desired. The RHS reports few disease problems. Watch for scale insects and glasshouse red spider mites. Propagate it from seed, sown warm in spring.