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Veitchia
merrillii |
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The Veitchias originated in the South Sea Islands
(Philippines, the Fijis, New Caladonia, and New Hebrides). Of the 10 or so
species, one species, the Manila Palm, has become quite popular in Florida.
This palm is also known as the Christmas Palm, because of its bright red fruit
that appears around Christmas time, and the Little Royal, due to its resemblance
to the much larger Royal Palm.
This palm averages 10-25 feet in height with a trunk diameter
of around 10 inches. Its trunk is generally smooth and gray with ring
scars 1-2 inches apart. The base of the trunk is swollen and the green
crownshaft is quite prominent. Its leaves are of the pinnate type.
During the summer, the tree produces small white or yellow flowers. The
oval-shaped fruit is about .5-1 inch in length and red in color.
