Allagoptera arenaria

seashore palm

A small cluster of fifteen foot tall seashore palms, Allagoptera arenaria, outside the back of the main office building at The Botanic Gardens at Kona Kai Resort in Key Largo, Florida

The seashore palm is appropriately named, being native to the Atlantic coast of Brazil, where it grows just beyond the reach of high tide. The tree is cultivated extensively in South America due to the local popularity of its edible fruits, which are eaten fresh or made into jams and drinks. The leaves are used in weaving baskets and other objects.

Fruits developing

The seashore palm’s high salt and exposure tolerance make it a great plant for planting close to shore; its growth habit and stature make it a good screen plant. It can grow well in poor soils as long as it gets enough water and the soil is well drained.