Silver Bismarck Palm, La Vega Estate & Recreation Center, Gran Couva, Trinidad:
The majestic Silver Bismarck Palm (Bismarckia nobilis) is native to Madagascar, but is frequently found in in tropical locations where it is one of the most stunning and desired large palm trees. The “nobilis” in its name means noble – a perfect description of this formal and massive palm. A silver bismarck needs plenty of space where its bright color and sheer size won’t overwhelm the house or landscape. Genetics causes the silvery color to differ on each one. They can be steel-gray to blue-gray to silver-white…and actually have a purple hue when they’re very young. The palm itself grows slowly to 30 feet or more…and each thick, fan-shaped frond can reach 10 feet in diameter.