Sabal palmetto on steroids

[PalmatierMeg]

I saw this awesome Sabal at a small apartment complex while driving through the Cape. It is not tall but it is stocky and broad. I estimate its trunk, including boots, is over 2' in diameter. I pulled into the parking lot beside the palm and grabbed my Samsung to take photos and maybe collect some ripe seeds dangling in front of me.

I took these 3 photos before a guy on a motorcycle pulls in a parks. He came up behind me and said, "This is private property." (The complex had no such signage or I'd have never gone in.)

"I'm just taking pictures of this palm," I answered.

"You're on private property," he said again, then again. I climbed into my Honda Element and split. However, I'm considering going back on foot to scarf some seeds. I'd also like to measure that trunk with a yardstick.

So, is this Sabal palmetto as I suspect? I don't see this complex investing in any exotic plants.

[Miccles]

Don't you just love friendly people like that ? "Ohh sure maam - by all means take some pictures... it's a lovely tree isn't it ??" NOT......

Regards

Michael.

[sarasota alex]

Meg I think it's a palmetto.

While in San Fran Darold took me to see a landmark century-old Jubaea that is growing in someone's yard. I was taking pictures from the street and it was less then a minute before a lady from the neighborhood started inquisiting me. She seemed to think that my explanation about a historically significant plant was just a lame excuse I made up.