I missed them when we came to live in Queensland. But in the last couple of years I have become aware of a new love in my life and that is palm trees. Our house is surrounded by many different varieties and I am enjoying them enormously. We have a predominance of Golden Canes along our back fence with Bangalow palms dispersed among them.
The leaves begin as long pointed spikes, they point up straight like unsheathed swords and gradually open to reveal the new fronds. They arch beautifully and sway gracefully; they shine in the sunlight and make a slapping sound when blown by the wind. I love the angles that the individual sections of the frond form with the central stem and when viewed straight on the deep "V" shape formed by the central fold. Such acute angles from such a curvy frond. The shadows they cast in the garden are a delight to me to watch when a breeze sets them dancing
And there's more...the Bangalow palms produce long seed pods that hug the trunk and become visible only when a dead frond breaks away. These pods open to reveal a tangled white root like growth that becomes covered with hundreds of tiny cream flowers, a real treat for local bees. Then come the seeds, clusters of small, hard orangey red berries, that remind me of Jaffas, and Oh boy, do the birds love them! I love watching them scramble to peck them and hold them in their beaks before tossing them down their throat. They balance on the back fence and nearby branches eagerly awaiting their opportunity like shoppers at a Myers Boxing Day Sale.
The more I look at palm trees the more I love them, they have truly found their way into my affections. I have included some snaps so you can get the idea. Have a good look next time you see one.
Enjoy
Simply Susan
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