Palms and cycads are some of the most distinctive plants in the world. Easily recognizable by their unique forms, these plants evoke images of a deserted tropical island paradise.  They have a true potential for creating a special point of interest in any garden.

     There are two types of palms, those with leaves, or fronds, that resemble feathers (called pinnate), and those that resemble fans (called palmate).  The feather palms appear delicate and airy, while the fan palms have a more architectural look.

     Many people mistakenly believe that cycads are closely related to palms, because all varieties of cycads have pinnate foliage that appear only at the top of the trunk, just like palms. However, cycads are actually more closely related to primitive plants, such as pines and ferns.  

     Palm trees form fruits to encase their seeds. Some familiar examples of palm fruit include dates and coconuts.  Around the world, palm tree extracts are used to make numerous products including various waxes, foods, and fibers.