Sabal Palm

FIURolando · 20. The Sabal Palm Is The

The Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto) is the state tree of Florida. It is extremely common and can be found in a wide variety of habitats across the southeastern United States, Cuba, and the Bahamas. A highly resilient tree, Sabal Palms are very salt-tolerant and frost-tolerant. They can survive short periods of temperatures as low as -14 °C. Sabal Palms have a variety of uses. The bud of the tree can be harvested for its heart of palm, an edible vegetable used to complement many dishes. Additionally, its fan-shaped fronds have been used by early Floridians to build shelters. Younger trees tend to have leaf bases called "boots" that form when leaf fronds fall off, while mature trees have a smooth trunk.