Phoenix rupicola x Phoenix roebelenii
Image - Davesgarden-com
Hybrids are the result of a cross between two or more plants that belong to at least the same botanical subfamily. This means that they are two or more plant beings that have very similar genetic characteristics, but also have others that are of interest to the hobbyist or expert who is caring for them.
But What is a hybrid palm tree? And most importantly: how do these plants hybridize?
What is it?
A hybrid palm tree It is a plant of the Arecaceae family -the one of this type of plant beings- that has characteristics of two or more species. In nature, as well as in gardens, it is very easy for them to hybridize on their own, that is, for the pollinating insects themselves to be the ones that carry pollen from one species to another, as for example happens to the Phoenix canariensis (Canarian palm tree) and to Phoenix dactylifera (date), but the human can also get incredible specimens with the method of cross pollination.
What does this method consist of? Basically, in acting as a pollinating insect 🙂. Pollen is taken from a palm tree with a brush and deposited on the flowers of another species. To increase the chances of success, there are those who wrap the flowers of this second plant with a shading mesh or cardboard bag so that the pollen is not lost.
Can all species hybridize?
Yes, of course, but you must always keep in mind what was mentioned at the beginning: they must be genetically similar. To do this, we have to find out what genus, tribe, sunfamily and botanical family they belong to. To make it easier for us to find out, we are going to give you an example of the species Syagrus romanzoffiana.
- Family: Arecaceae
- Subfamily: Arecoideae
- Tribe: Cocoeae
- Subtribe: Buttinae
- Gender: Syagrus
- Species: Syagrus romanzoffiana
This palm could hybridize with those of the Arecoideae subfamily: Butia, Jubaea, Attalea, Cocos, Elaeis or Bactris. In fact, there is a very popular hybrid among collectors which is that of butia capitata x Syagrus romanzoffiana, which has been given the name Butyagrus. You can see it here:
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