A stand of saw palmetto in SE Louisiana

[Sabal_Louisiana]

While it remains abundant in coastal Mississippi, some literature suggests that saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) may be extinct in Louisiana.

Previously, it had been noted from St. Tammany and Orleans parishes in the far southeast of the state.

However, there is a small group naturally occurring at the present in an isolated part of eastern Orleans parish, shown here:

https://warcapps.usgs.gov/PlantID/Species/Details/2759

Furthermore, I have seen this group located right off LA Hwy 22 near Madisonville in St. Tammany Parish, close to the entrance of Fairview-Riverside SP.

If it is a native population it would almost undoubtedly be at the extreme western end of its range.

I suspect this is a relict group of originals that have escaped clearance, but possibly enhanced by the addition of some planted specimens.