fruiting Veitchia joannis in Orlando

[Eric in Orlando]

I was at the annual FNATS Landscape trade show at the Orange County Convention Center last week (more photos in other post). There are 2 Veitchia joannis growing by a small lake on the south side of the complex. Originally these palms were in big containers next to the building. They had been sort of negelected and had been through the 26F in 2/96. Over the years the others died out but these 2 survived. About 10 years ago they were planted out in this location. They have grown well since then. This year I noticed the one is loaded with fruit but obviously has set viable fruit earlier as there were seedlings underneath. I used to think these were V. arecina but changed my mind after seeing them this year. Not bad to be growing and seeding here for 10 years in an open location.

[Davidl]

These palms are tougher than I ever believed possible. I have grown them and arecina for several years here and they have surprised me how hardy they are. I know they are a strong 10a and above but they do good here except for mid to lower 20s.

[fiji jim]

That's quiet amazing as those in their habitat would never see below 60F

[palmsOrl]

I'm impressed with how healthy they look, thanks for giving us an update on these Eric. Usually tropical palms like these that are planted in this area look pale in color and stunted, and are always in some stage of recovery from past cold damage. These look as good as ones you'd see in the Miami area.

-Michael

[epicure3]

I think you are right about the toughness with regards to cold hardiness. Mine came through the '07 freeze (temp was 28F or 29F) with no damage to these palms (I have 9 V. Arecinas) while other, supposedly less tropical species, showed cold damage.

[TikiRick]

One my favorite genus and one of my favorite species in that genus. Thanks for the post.

[Kostas]

Amazing palms Eric I have always loved Veitchia joannis among all others in the genus

[edric]

Amazing! Ed

[Zeeth]

How's this palm doing after the January freeze?

[Eric in Orlando]

I haven't been by them to check. If not before I will be out there in late sept. for the annual FNATS trade show. Hopefully they are still alive, that area seems to be a warm pocket.

[Ken Johnson]

Eric, how can you tell they are joannis? These palms are so mixed up that I never can figure out whats what.

[Zeeth]

I haven't been by them to check. If not before I will be out there in late sept. for the annual FNATS trade show. Hopefully they are still alive, that area seems to be a warm pocket.

Alright, cool. Do you think you could pick up some seed from it if it's still alive? (there seems to be quite a bit of seed under it in that picture, so I'd imagine there will be a few from it's last fruiting)

Even if it's a warm pocket, it's still a relatively cold area, so if it survives out there in a winter like this one, it will survive here in the worst of the worst cold

[Tyrone]

I love Veitchias. Can't get enough of them. They do very well for me, and I love their fast pace of growth. I know of one fruiting plant in the outskirts of Perth in an exposed cold area. I can't wait until mine seed and volunteers come up everywhere.

Tyrone

[JD in the OC]

Ken has a good point. I had been taught that V. montgomeryana = V. johannis. And the only real difference between those and V. arecina, is that V. arecina gets yellow coloration below the CS.

Thoughts?..

[Eric in Orlando]

Veitchia montgomeryana and V. macdanielsii are now lumped into V. arecina. V. joannis is still a valid species.

I'm not sure on the exact differences but to my eye it always seems V. arecina had larger, more lush fronds and those of V. joannis are smaller and the leaflets a bit more spaced out. I could be wrong, just my observation.