Paurotis Palm

The paurotis palm is native to the southern tip of Florida and the Everglades. Also found in the West Indies, Cuba and parts of Central America. Now a popular landscape item in all nearly frost-free climates. This attractive clumping palm punctuates the flat horizon of the Everglades across South Florida. The Everglades palm can be seen growing in great mounds that erupt from the edges of the small islands that dot this "river of grass". Also know as paurotis palm, it makes a beautiful and interesting landscape specimen.
The palmate leaves are light green with silvery undersides and grow 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) in diameter. They are deeply divided into 1 in (2.5 cm) segments and are held on thin 3 ft (0.9 m) leafstems. Rows of sharp orange teeth are arranged along the edges and inspire another of the plant's common names, the silver saw palm.
About 25 leaves are arranged into crowns that sit above thin stems that are only 3-4 in (7.6-10.2 cm) in diameter and are covered with loose brown fiber. These slender stems can grow to 30 ft (9.1 m) high and lean away from one another creating attractive informal clusters. These can become a very dense tangle of foliage if suckers are not routinely trimmed. Paurotis palm blooms in late spring with white flowers arranged on 4 ft (1.2 m) inflorescences that extend past the leaves. The small fruits are 1/2 in (1.3 cm) in diameter.
Location
The paurotis palm is native to the southern tip of Florida and the Everglades. Also found in the West Indies, Cuba and parts of Central America. Now a popular landscape item in all nearly frost-free climates.
Culture
The is one of the few palms that is tolerant of standing water. I think it looks best with dead leaves removed. May suffer "frizzletop", a manganese deficiency so fertilize twice a year with slow release fertilizer that contains micro-nutrients to prevent unsightliness. Light: Prefers full sunlight but will tolerate some shade. Moisture: Likes moisture (even wet feet) but will tolerate drought! Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 11. Is tolerant of frosts down to the mid 20's Farenheit. Propagation: By seeds that take about 2 to 3 months to germinate if kept warm. Also by divisions of clumps (get out your picks, axes and other tools of destruction because you're in for a battle!

Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens