Serenoa repens - S

About the Serenoa repens - S

Serenoa repens, commonly known as Saw Palmetto, is a slow-growing evergreen fan palm from the southeastern United States. The species usually forms a low, broad clump with creeping or underground stems and sturdy green to silvery-green fan-shaped leaves. The sharp, finely toothed margins of the leaf stalks give the palm its familiar name. In commercial size S, it is a practical choice for container cultivation or a sheltered outdoor position. The size alone does not establish age, flowering maturity or fruiting maturity.

Characteristics

Origin: Serenoa repens is native to the southeastern United States, including South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. It grows in habitats such as open pine woods, scrub, dry prairies and sandy coastal areas.

Family: Arecaceae, the palm family.

Position: Suitable for a sunny to lightly shaded outdoor position, either in a freely draining container or in the ground in a sheltered location. Choose a site where rainwater drains quickly and avoid places where cold winter winds coincide with prolonged wet soil.

Height: The shrubby form usually grows to approximately 1 to 2.5 metres and can gradually spread through creeping stems. Rare upright forms can grow considerably taller. Growth generally remains more restricted in a container.

Flowering period: Mature plants can produce branched, fragrant inflorescences between April and July under suitable conditions. Commercial size S does not confirm that the supplied plant is mature enough to flower.

Flower colour: The flowers of the mature species are creamy white to pale yellow.

Hardiness: Well-established plants tolerate moderate frost. Protect size S whenever temperatures below -5°C are expected, particularly when grown in a container, and avoid prolonged frost combined with a wet root ball.

Soil type: An airy, preferably sandy to loamy and well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral reaction. Avoid heavy soil in which water remains around the roots for prolonged periods.

Care

Light: Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight per day where possible. Light partial shade is tolerated. Gradually acclimatise a plant coming from a greenhouse or winter shelter to strong direct sun.

Water: Water moderately and allow the upper soil layer to dry slightly before watering again. Thoroughly moisten the root ball and allow excess water to drain away. Reduce watering during cool periods, but do not leave the root ball completely dry for prolonged periods.

Fertiliser: Apply one modest dose of suitable palm fertiliser in spring, following the dosage on the product label. Heavy feeding is unnecessary for this slow-growing species.

Pruning: Remove only fully dried or severely damaged leaves and spent flower stalks. Never cut into the central growing point and wear gloves because of the sharp teeth along the leaf stalks.

Repotting: Repot preferably in spring once the roots have largely filled the available container. Choose a pot only one size larger, with drainage holes and enough stability for the root ball. Do not plant the stem base deeper than before.

Humidity: Average humidity with adequate air movement is suitable. Artificially increasing humidity is unnecessary when the palm is grown outdoors.

Special features: The sharp, saw-like teeth along the leaf stalks can cause injury. Keep the palm away from narrow walkways and wear gloves during maintenance. The species can gradually form a broad, multi-stemmed clump. Fruits produced by mature plants are edible but have a strong taste that is generally considered unpleasant. Flowering and fruiting are not guaranteed on the supplied plant.