Brahea dulcis – Rock Palm Seeds

Description

Brahea dulcis is a solitary or occasionally clustering fan palm reaching 4-12 m (13-40 ft) in height, with trunks 20-40 cm (8-16 in) in diameter. The costapalmate leaves are 1-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft) wide, stiff and deep green, sometimes glaucous or gray-green in drier habitats, with segments divided halfway to two-thirds of the blade. Petioles are short and may have small marginal teeth. The trunk is typically covered with persistent leaf bases or fibrous sheaths, giving it a rugged, textured appearance. Inflorescences are long and branched, often extending beyond the crown, and produce small, round, dark fruits.

This species is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, occurring across a wide elevational range from lowland dry forests to montane oak-pine woodlands, from near sea level up to about 1,800 m (5,900 ft). It grows on rocky slopes, mesas, and well-drained volcanic or limestone soils.