Mule Palm Pollen

[Scott W]

My tenant called asking me to stop by and look at something with the pool at my rental property.  While there I noted that my Frank Lewis mule palm in the front yard had an inflorescence that when tapped was dropping pollen.  A second spathe is developing and should be opening soon as well.  With my plans to start experimenting in hybrids I decided to harvest the inflorescence and see if I could collect pollen to be used in said experiments, as it would possibly validate Dr Wilcox' statement that the male flower produced viable pollen...

Mule palm spathe emerging

Mule palm inflorescence

Mule palm trunk size

Mule palm

[Scott W]

Here's one article that mentions mule palm pollen being potentially viable...

Dr. Frankenstein's Palms

Plus let's not forget that local hybridizer Rich Lindberg successfully crossed his Dr Wilcox Jubutia with his Dr Wilcox Butiagrus, which I have two seedlings developing nicely.  (Though I have this cross as the Butiagrus being the mother) 

[freakypalmguy]

Definitely be interesting to see if it is viable. I pollinated my mule with Butia pollen to see if I get any viable seeds, so far no germination. After 6 weeks.

[Scott W]

Well just a little update....

Using the same method I used to harvest Queen pollen, I did manage to harvest a wee bit of pollen.  Didn't wear my N95 mask and it certainly reacted nicely with my allergies!  The amount gained I feel is not enough to save, but when I do move my mule next year I certainly will be attempting this again!

 

[jimmyt]

Could you do a limited pollination with what you have collected?

[Scott W]

Unfortunately nothing is in flower at the moment and the amount is so small it's not worth saving in my mind.