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Sabal palmetto Cabbage palmetto Evergreen tree (1 Page of 5) The Sabal palmetto plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - North Carolina to Florida. It is a member of the Palmae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Cabbage palmetto. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Sabal palmetto Common Name: Cabbage palmetto Family: Palmae Author: (Walt.)Lodd. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 6 Mature Width: 4 Habitat: Brackish marshes, seacoast woodlands or hammocks and sandy soils near the coast[229].
General Uses: An excellent fibre is obtained from the leaf stalks[171]. The best quality is from young leaf stalks still in the bud, whilst coarser material is obtained from older leaves or the bases of old leaf stalks surrounding the bud[171]. The fibres are up to 50cm long, they are harvested commercially and used to make brushes, especially where these have to remain stiff in hot water or caustics[82, 171].
Pieces of the spongey bark of the stem are used as a substitute for scrubbing brushes[82].
The leaves are woven to make coarse hats, mats and baskets[82].
The roots contain about 10% tannin[171]. This has been harvested commercially in the past but there is not really enough tannin for profitable extraction[171].
Wood - light and soft[82]. The trunks are used to make wharf piles, whilst polished cross-sections of the trunk have been used as small table tops[82]. The wood is also largely manufactured into canes[82].
For further Sabal palmetto gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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