The Palm Identifier Palm Tree Types Knowledge Base

Identifying palm trees is not an easy task, considering the large number of known palm trees out there. The Palm Identifier is dedicated to helping you correctly identify palm trees in a few easy steps. The system relies on a variety of data gathered from many resources, combined with years of experience growing and observing the beauty of palm trees. The more data you can provide to the palm identifier algorithm, the more accurate results will be.

The system is continuously growing, with dedication to provide you with accurate data. Palm tree enthusiasts and professionals are more than welcome to use this resource, as well as contribute to its growth and accuracy.

1. Select palm leaf shape

There are several distinctive palm tree leaf shapes. The most known is the feather, or pinnate, shape. Leaf shape is the most important feature when identifying a palm tree, as it does not change throughout its life. Selecting the correct leaf type greatly affects the Palm Identifier accuracy.

Pinnate (Feather)

Bi-Pinnate

Palmate (Fan)

Costapalmate

Bifid

Simple (Entire)

Not important

2. Select trunk shape

Palm trees have three possible trunk shapes. The one mostly associated to a palm tree is single trunk. However, some palms have clustered trunks, while others have no trunk at all.

Single

Clustered

No trunk

Not important

3. Select the palm tree height

The size of palm trees varies significantly. Some can grow to no more than one meter, or a couple of feet, while others top over 200 feet (or 60 meters), dwarfing other trees. This section is useful if you are trying to identify a mature plant, as it is easier to determine the height of a palm tree. Identifying a young palm is much more difficult, as you may have to skip this section.

Small
(< 3m)
(< 10ft)

Medium
(3 - 9m)
(10 - 30ft)

Large
(9 - 36m)
(30 - 120ft)

Huge
(> 36m)
(> 120ft)

Not important

4. Where is the palm tree?

Are you trying to identify a container grown palm? Some palm trees are suitable for indoor growing, in a container or a small greenhouse. Large greenhouses provide ciscumstances similar to outdoor growing. It may be easier to identify a palm with such information given. If you think that the palm you are trying to identify is commonly grown both indoors and outdoors, ignore this section.

Outdoor

Indoor (Container)

Not important

Palm Tree Fact

The palm branch was a symbol of triumph, victory and honour in pre-Christian times. The Romans rewarded champions of the games and celebrated military successes with palm branches.

5. Any other features?

Many palm trees have distinct features that make them distinguishable from others. Try and notice something unique to the plant you are trying to identify. This, as well as any other specific information you may have about the tree, will greatly increase identification accuracy.

Fruit size

Fruit shape

Fruit color

Fruit growth

Seed size

Seed shape

Seed color

Seed feature