Cabbage Tree Palms

[Gromit]

I like both the palms but I won't prune them - I pay someone big and strong to do that - those barbs burn like the hobs of hell if they pierce your skin. I just stand on the sidelines and supervise

I want to take 2 of the cocos palms down - they're both in excess of 20 years old and the trunks are showing signs of decay - FS will not let me cut or remove any trees from the garden but when they fall over and crash into the roof, he may change his mind

 

[DaveM]

I also hate having to cut down trees but at time you just have to do it

 

[otherwise]

those barbs burn like the hobs of hell if they pierce your skin.

The barbs of the first photo sure are nasty, I got an infection that took far too long to sort itself out from one of those, the Cabbage Tree Palm only cut or scratch.

 

[CarlS]

These were taken at a previous home we had, second story up looking out at a neighbours Cocus Palm.

View attachment 4023
View attachment 4024

I see rats like your cabbage palms, too!

 

[nbsdave]

Florida Cabbage Palms are also a source of food.
The "heart: is called "swamp cabbage" or "hearts of palm", (the latter in grocery stores or restaurants) is cooked or often used raw in salads.
Cooking usually is done in a pot after simmering bacon or sausage, then slow cooking for at least an hour. Very tasty.
Trees under 6 ft. tall have the best hearts. Taller ones tend to be tough and pulpy.

 

[DaveM]

What do you mean chopping the tree down and eating the heart of the trunk

 

[Gromit]

Doesn't sound too appetising but I know that some people eat the 'fruit' or seed pods of the "delicious monster" plant too.

 

[CarlS]

I like swamp cabbage. The Seminole and Miccosukee use the fans to thatch their chikis (chickees). It works very well.

 

[Gromit]

The Seychellois people also use these fan like palm fronds for thatching. Interesting how things around the world work the same way.

 

[nbsdave]

worse would be chopping down or pulling up the plant and then eating the roots.
Oh wait, that's a potato, peanut, carrot etc.

 

[CarlS]

What do you mean chopping the tree down and eating the heart of the trunk

Doesn't sound too appetising but I know that some people eat the 'fruit' or seed pods of the "delicious monster" plant too.

Yes, but the heart is in the truck near the top. It does not extend down the entire trunk. Remember that palms are not a true tree; they are grasses.

Gromit, the consistency and texture is similar to cabbage.

The Seychellois people also use these fan like palm fronds for thatching. Interesting how things around the world work the same way.

Yes it is.

 

[otherwise]

I did well today, a couple of weeks ago I asked the council for some cabbage palm plants for the reserve behind us. I mow and look after about 2,000 sq mtrs of the reserve behind our back fence. Today a truck arrived with 8 young trees for free they said it was a thank you for looking after some of the reserve. I'll plant them out to complement the existing small mature grove but make sure a couple are on my land.



Part of the reserve behind our back fence.

 

[Gromit]

That's a wonderful 'thank you' and wow, your 'backyard' is stunning! I'm surrounded by houses on all sides. That is really beautiful.

 

[otherwise]

That's a wonderful 'thank you' and wow, your 'backyard' is stunning! I'm surrounded by houses on all sides. That is really beautiful.

Cheers Gromit, we're lucky in that we have a lot of open council owned land. The council mowing team keep it in acceptable condition but when residents look after patches it helps them and we all win.

 

[Gromit]

I agree - when residents take pride in their neighbourhood, it really shows and everyone gains. I have an oak on the pavement just outside my front gate - we estimate it to be over 60 years old - it's got a fungus and instead of treating it, our Council want to chop it down! It really is a magnificent tree (but very messy) and we don't want to loose it. The council told me that if I want to save it, then it's at my own expense and to get a professional to treat this tree will be in the region of ZAR10 000!!!!! It's wonderful to hear that your Council and neighbours really do care! Good going there!

 

[DaveM]

It is really cool to see that you guys can work together like this. The reserve behind your house looks stunning well done on looking after a bit of it

 

[otherwise]

I agree - when residents take pride in their neighbourhood, it really shows and everyone gains. I have an oak on the pavement just outside my front gate - we estimate it to be over 60 years old - it's got a fungus and instead of treating it, our Council want to chop it down! It really is a magnificent tree (but very messy) and we don't want to loose it. The council told me that if I want to save it, then it's at my own expense and to get a professional to treat this tree will be in the region of ZAR10 000!!!!! It's wonderful to hear that your Council and neighbours really do care! Good going there!

Hmmm, that's about $1,245 Australian.
It's all complicated and personal, for me that's a lot when we have many other trees, but if it's a feature in front of your house ... tough call.

 

[Gromit]

Yup, it's an awful lot for me too

 

[otherwise]

Put the babies into the ground this morning, some on each side of the fence this is outside in the reserve.

 

[DaveM]

Looking good