Royal Palms are a very majestic tree. They are one of a dozen or so palms that are native to Florida, found mostly in the southern half of the State. The trees are also native to Cuba and the Royal Palm is the national tree of Cuba.
When Thomas Edison purchased his land in Ft. Myers he began planting Royal Palms on both sides of the then dirt road, we now call Mcgregor Blvd. Now Royal Palms line much of the 14 mile long road.
Royals are very striking with their 'cement' looking trunk and green top from the trunk to the leaves. They grow to 100' tall with a canopy of 25' or so.
In Caribbean Islands the leaves (self pruning) are often used for thatching and the wood for construction. The fruit is eaten by birds and bats, and also used for cattle feed. The cut trees are a great source of palm hearts. The dried leaves are bound together and used as brooms. Almost every part of the tree is used in some capacity. Even the flowers are useful, as they are very fragrant and at times you can smell the aroma from up to 50' away.
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