Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) SOUTHEAST OF ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

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5	This very tall and slim palm tree is the tallest growing palm seen in Arizona landscaping. It is known for its slender grace; native to the oases of the lower Sonoran desert.

In Depth

Washingtonia robusta, Mexican Fan Palm Location: Southeast side of the Administration building, to the west of the Modern Languages building, and frequent all across campus. FAMILY: Arecaceae, the Palm family DISTRIBUTION: Sonora and Baja California, Mexico HABITAT: Rocky ravines, canyons and sandy oases HABIT: tall single-stemmed trees FLOWERING: late spring through summer Natural History Notes: The species name, robusta, is Latin for "robust" or "stout." Distinguishing Characteristics: Washingtonia robusta is a tall, slender palm to 100 ft. high with a tapering trunk that noticeably flares at the base. This plant is a member of the same genus as the California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera, plant #5 in this Plant Walk). Compared with W. filifera, W. robusta is usually taller but with a less massive trunk. These two species may also hybridize. Leaves are fan shaped and glossy. When not pruned, the dead dry older leaves hang down the trunk in shaggy layers. Long inflorescences of small fleshy flowers are produced in the late spring, and followed by black-brown fruits. Large amounts of seeds are set, and can introduce many unwanted seedlings into the landscape. Human Uses: Fresh fruits are edible. A commonly cultivated ornamental in southwest Arizona and areas with similar climates.