Brahea (Erythea) edulis

GUADALUPE PALM

This Guadalupe Island native was nearly decimated over the 18th and early 19th Century by feral goats that were introduced by Russian seal hunters who used the goat for food. By 1900 there were an estimated 100,000 goats on the island which consumed nearly all flora, including new shoots of the Guadalupe palm. In fact, although the Brahea edulis at one time was prolific over the entire island, today only several small stands of trees remain, and it is thought that these stands have become sterile and can no longer germinate. No new saplings have been reported in the last 150 years. Although endangered in its native habitat it is well known in cultivation and thrives in Mediterranean climates around the world. This fan palm can reach heights of 40 feet and produces a large inflorescence that in turn gives one of the largest edible palm fruits.

BACK

2476 San Diego Avenue · San Diego CA 92110 · Phone (619) 297-9327
Home | Contact

Copyright 2000 , Save Our Heritage Organisation Copyright Warning