GAUSSIA MAYA A VERY DIFFERENT PALM FOR SO. CALIFORNIA

CAN SEE SWOLLEN BASE WHEN YOUNG

In the “old days”, this species was known as Opsiandra maya. It is a single trunk pinnate palm that can be grown in Southern CA. It has the interesting habit of getting a very swollen base, especially when planted in the ground from a smaller plant. Interestingly enough, this swollen base to the trunk abruptly disappears with age. You’ll note this bulge in the photos below. This species tends to hold a limited number of leaves, about five to seven usually. Along the coast it takes full sun. Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. The trunk diameter is about six to perhaps maximum eight inches. I’ve grown it in part day sun, which it loved. However, the trunk will often curve to seek more sun (see photo bottom row). Some grow it in full sun with success. The plants on special are very nice 15g with fat bases.

This size cannot be mail ordered – way to big. Remember to mention this Blog Only Special for your discount. The second garden photo is by J.V. PACSOA. I’m also showing a large boxed specimen below that’s grown through its swollen base.