Bad news … Florida’s State Tree in for tough times. The sabal palm, Florida’s state tree, is under attack by a microscopic killer that has scientists stumped.
An unknown but growing number of sabal palms in the Tampa Bay area have died from a mysterious disease. Even after scientists pinpoint the disease, they will have to learn what insect spreads it. The disease will be tough to stop.
Monica Elliott, a University of Florida plant pathologist said it’s not likely the disease will be completely eradicated.
Sabal palms, also known as cabbage palms, can grow to 50 feet. In the U.S., they can be found from the Florida Keys to North Carolina. The palm – which is also South Carolina’s state tree – is featured in Florida’s state seal and was designated the state tree in the 1950s.
Some call it a cabbage palm because they are harvested for hearts of palm we sometimes eat as a salad. Swamp cabbage, it’s quite good.
Tarpon's Swamp 