| Common name: var. Clara
Native to: Mexico Sonora
Mature height: 15' to 20
Mature spread: 15'
Growth Habit: solitary
Leaf type: costapalmate | |
Description:
Although Brahea clara has at times been accorded species status, it is likely a natural hybrid of Brahea armata with B. brandegeei. It is known from around the San Carlos Bay in Sonora. The influence of B. brandegeei imparts its softer leaves with a distinctly droopy character, much like Livistona chinensis. Although this is the one identifiable trait that distinguishes it from other armatas, the color can range from a somewhat unpleasant olive green to an exquisite icicle blue. Such specimens are utterly breathtaking in their beauty. As Brahea brandegeei is the fastest growing Brahea, claras have been observed to be much faster growing than armatas. They are also likely to be more tolerant of warm and humid conditions but less hardy to extreme cold. They should also be a better choice for cooler sections of the California coast than Brahea armata. Although still quite rare, this beautiful palm should be much more widely grown in coastal California.
This species in the garden:
Growth rate: moderate
Sunlight: full sun
Water: moderate
Cold Tolerance: 20° F
Seed or plant availability: rare
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