Can Someone Help Me Identify This Palm

[Gville Palms]

This is a palm at the local botanical gardens in Gainesville, Fl. It is not labeled and in all my years here I’ve never been able to identify exactly what it is. It definitely looks like a Sabal but I have no idea what variety. The frond structure is so unique. Any input would be greatly appreciated. 

[96720]

I don’t think it’s a Sabal!!! Be nice if you had a close up of the frond!!

[Gville Palms]

6 minutes ago, 96720 said:

I don’t think it’s a Sabal!!! Be nice if you had a close up of the frond!!

I can swing by tomorrow and get a close up. 

[awkonradi]

Could it be a Sabal "Lisa"?

[quaman58]

That’s my thought. Just never seen one that big! Me votes Sabal “Lisa” as well

[Gville Palms]

I went back today (images attached) and after comparing with Google images, I definitely think you are right that it is a Lisa. Thanks so much for the help. Now I just wish they were more available to purchase. 

[PalmatierMeg]

Sabal palmetto 'Lisa' named after the discoverer's wife. First discovered in SWFL. Seeds should ripen ca. November. I got as high as 68% Lisa mutant. Rare, hard to find and highly desired.

My avatar is a Sabal Lisa that used to grow by an I75 exit. It was rescued ahead of road construction and now resides with its sibling in a downtown Ft. Myers palm park.

[Stevetoad]

Oh yeah! Lisa all day. 

[Merlyn]

@Gville Palms I'd guess that Sabal "Lisa" is one from an early seed batch.  There are a couple of Lisas at Leu Gardens too, about the same size.  As Meg said, a lot of seed from a known Lisa doesn't end up having the fused leaflets.  Or they only have partially fused and not the entire fan.  So if you are interested in one, make sure you get it from a reliable source and that they are preferably 7G or bigger.  Small 3G or 1G plants might still have immature leaf shape.  It really needs to be a "big" 3G plant to be sure it'll be a real "Lisa" when it grows up.  You could try contacting @FishEyeAquaculture, he frequently has 3G to 35G Lisas for sale.  Here's an older thread for reference:

 

[Merlyn]

FYI - you can see a bunch of different Lisas at the Palmpedia page, some photos from Meg: https://palmpedia.net/wiki/Sabal_sp._'Lisa'

And some background info from the Palmfather (Christian Faulkner) here:

 

[Gville Palms]

On 2/15/2024 at 1:10 PM, Merlyn said:

FYI - you can see a bunch of different Lisas at the Palmpedia page, some photos from Meg: https://palmpedia.net/wiki/Sabal_sp._'Lisa'

And some background info from the Palmfather (Christian Faulkner) here:

 

Thanks so much for all of the helpful information! 

[Gville Palms]

On 2/15/2024 at 1:10 PM, Merlyn said:

FYI - you can see a bunch of different Lisas at the Palmpedia page, some photos from Meg: https://palmpedia.net/wiki/Sabal_sp._'Lisa'

And some background info from the Palmfather (Christian Faulkner) here:

 

He did not have any remaining but I did find them for sale from Plant Delights Nursery. The palms were pretty small but it was the best I could find. I ordered three with the hopes that at least one would be a Lisa. I am quite confident one is definitely not, one is the questionable, and the one I think has the best chance I have put pictures of below. I clearly am no expert at identifying these but this one does have a cupping to it, is partly fused, and the consistency of the fronds just feels different. Almost like plastic. 

[Merlyn]

@Gville Palms I've ordered a bunch of agaves from Plants Delights, they have always been accurate.  The problem with Lisa is they may need to be 4 or 5 feet tall before you can truly declare thrm "real" or "fake."  And of course the packing and shipping can easily split up a formerly solid leaf.  So I'd look at the next 2 or 3 fronds to see which is a likely "real" Lisa.  Of course, some may end up partially Lisa and be unique in a different way...