Washingtonia robusta

Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl.

Family: Arecaceae

Common Name: Mexican Fan Palm

A palm tree native to Mexico and southern California, characterized by a slender, tough, and elastic trunk that can reach a height of 30 m. The leaves, located at the top of the trunk, are fan-shaped and divided into numerous elongated and pointed segments. Widely used for ornamental purposes in parks and gardens in mild climate zones, this species is also common in urban green spaces. Its spread in the Mediterranean region occurred during the 19th century. The generic name of this palm was chosen in honor of the first President of the United States, George Washington. The specific epithet seems to refer to the trunk's resistance to strong winds, including hurricanes.