Mexican washington palm (Washingtonia robusta, Gart.-Zeitung (Berlin) 2: 198 (1883))

Family: Arecaceae

Author: H.Wendl.

Bibliography: Gart.-Zeitung (Berlin) 2: 198 (1883)

Year: 1883

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Washingtonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico (C. & S. Baja California, W. Sonora)

Description

The Mexican Washington Palm, scientifically known as Washingtonia robusta, stands as a splendid specimen within the family Arecaceae. First described by the botanist H. Wendl. in 1883, this imposing and elegant palm is native to Mexico, particularly flourishing in regions such as Central and Southern Baja California and Western Sonora.

Characterized by its towering, slender trunk, the Mexican Washington Palm can reach impressive heights, often exceeding 80 feet. Its textured bark, which transitions from grey to brown, displays a pattern of intersecting leaf bases that add a distinctive visual appeal. Crowned by a mass of fan-shaped fronds, each of these green, glossy leaves can span several feet and contribute to its majestic presence and ability to sway gracefully with the breeze.

Adaptable and hardy, Washingtonia robusta has become a favored ornamental plant in subtropical and tropical landscapes around the world. Its resilience to diverse weather and soil conditions, along with a relatively rapid growth rate, make it an ideal choice for both urban and garden settings. Aside from its impressive aesthetic, the Mexican Washington Palm provides ecological benefits, such as habitat and food for various wildlife.

Cultivation of this palm is relatively straightforward. It thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, although it can endure periods of drought once established. Gardeners value its tolerance to coastal conditions, including salt and wind, which allows it to flourish in seaside settings. Regular maintenance involves occasional pruning to remove dead fronds and the brown, fibrous “skirt” that can form if lower leaves are left to naturally fall away.

Overall, the Mexican Washington Palm is celebrated for its ornamental grandeur and adaptability, making it a popular and enduring choice for enhancing the allure and structure of landscapes both in its native habitat and beyond.

Common Names

Eng: mexican washington palm, mexican fan palm, mexican washingtonia, washington fan palm, fan palm, thread palm
Spa: washingtonia colorada
Deu: mexikanische washingtonpalme
Por: palmeira-de-leque-do-méxico, palmeira-de-saia, palmeira-washingtonia-robusta, washingtônia-do-sul
Fra: palmier évantail du mexique
Swe: robustapalm
En: Mexican Washington palm, Mexican fan palm, Mexican washingtonia, Washington fan palm, Fan palm, Thread palm, Washington Fan-palm
Ca: Palmera robusta
Fr: Palmier évantail du Mexique, Palmier du Mexique
De: Mexikanische Washingtonpalme, Mexikanische Fächerpalme
Pt: Palmeira-de-leque-do-méxico, Palmeira-de-saia, Palmeira-washingtonia-robusta, Washingtônia-do-sul
Es: Washingtonia colorada
Sv: Robustapalm

Synonyms

• Washingtonia gracilis (Parish)
• Washingtonia robusta var. gracilis ((Parish) Parish ex Becc.)
• Brahea robusta (Voss)
• Washingtonia filifera var. gracilis ((Parish) L.D.Benson)
• Neowashingtonia robusta ((H.Wendl.) A.Heller)
• Pritchardia robusta ((H.Wendl.) Nabonnand)
• Neowashingtonia sonorae ((S.Watson) Rose)
• Washingtonia filifera var. sonorae ((S.Watson) M.E.Jones)
• Washingtonia filifera var. robusta ((H.Wendl.) Parish)
• Washingtonia sonorae (S.Watson)

Distribution

• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Algeria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Palestine (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 19, 2021 by José Antonio Sivianes Maya (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Klara Miletic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2021 by Decobert Didier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2022 by Stefano Lazzaretti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2017 by Luis Ruelas (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 31, 2020 by ofirmgr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hartmut CLASEN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 24, 2020 by Francis CHARPENTIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2020 by Reseau Saida Nature® (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2021 by marie FIANCETTE (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Martin Huisman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2020 by sam wise (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2021 by Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Mrc Pase (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 12, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Naushad BM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Mar 26, 2016 by susanne (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 1991 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Régis Hocdé (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2020 by Co (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hartmut CLASEN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5294595)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:670278-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Washingtonia robusta H.Wendl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth