Howie started out life in packet of 3 x Howea forsteriana seed for sale in Ibiza, back in 1975.
The seed was put in and one, Howie, germinated the following spring in 1976. The seedling was very slow to grow, producing only one leaf per year. He was dutifully potted on, and in 1984 produced his first split leaf. By 1990 it was clear that the palm was not a Howea, with drooping feathery leaves, but was a stiff costapalmate leafed palm.
Then started the hunt for what type of palm Howie actually was. This was not easy as there was no internet and plant advertising was by book, or catlogue. Finding out who Howie really was would have to wait for another 5 years.
Ironically, it was through a book, advertised on the internet, that I got a clue. The book ‘The Subtropical Garden’ by Jaqueline Walker, my gardening bible, since 1995, pointed me to a Sabal. The picture in the book looked excatly the same as my palm. I think I can safely say that Howie is a Sabal Minor. (update October 2007) or maybe not!
Having identified the palm as trunkless and requiring high summer temperatures, I planted it out in my outer consevatory. Basically this is a three sided, south facing courtyard, 3m (10 feet) square, with a polycarbonate roof, and polycarbonate doors, on the open side, from mid December to mid March. It is used to overwinter frost tender plants such as Phoenix roebelenii, Strelitzia, Ensete, Colocasias, Cacti etc.
The higher temperatures in summer have meant Howie now grows 3 huge leaves a year, and has flowered the last 6 years. See pictures.
Update October 2007 – Having been comfortable that Howie was Sabal minor. I have just let it get on with it. However, Howie seems to be growing a short trunk, and the leaves are pushing up against the roof.
Another problem is that Sabal minor’s flower spikes are about 8 feet tall and stand above the leaves, Howie’s flower spikes are all only as long as the petioles, so it would appear Howie is not a Sabal minor at all – EEK The big question now is what is Howie really. Obviously a Sabal….. but what type. I have put some pictures of the flower spikes and flowers. If you have any ideas please let me know on the forum.