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There are many Braheas for the landscape. Many look fairly similar and indeed are, though a few lend themselves to special conditions. Many enjoy collecting them, especially when learning a little about their geography, and even seeing them in habitat to gain a true understanding of them. As most palms, they are important to the local people of Mexico who use them for fiber and thatch, and some with edible fruits. The following species are those the author is familiar with out of the some 12 species known. Most of these, of course, are native to northern Mexico. All love the dry heat, and many cannot grow in humid climates, or only struggle in them. Hardiness has not been tested for many species, though Brahea armata is one of the hardiest palms around. The other species may prove to be just as hardy or if not, at least hardy enough for Tucson (USDA Zone 8-9). Growing them against the south side of the house is good insurance in case they prove to be tender.
Brahea armata The Mexican blue palm is the most distinct of Braheas with its silvery-blue fronds and massive trunk. Reaches abour 50 feet tall with age. This palm is the most commonly grown of Braheas. The inflorescence is large, dramatic and tannish-colored drooping gracefully and looking very nice when in bloom. Definitely a proven winner in the landscape this species is known to take some pretty cold temperatures. Some sources say that they can take near mid-twenties, other sources say high teens. The author knows plants that have taken as low as 17 degrees with no damage. Hardiness may vary somewhat with this species but none-the-less a hardy plant. Brahea brandegeei Palma negra grows to almost 40 feet tall and is native to northwestern Mexico (Baja California and Sonora). Fronds are very interesting: green above with blueish underneath. The fronds are somewhat more pendulous at the tips than on other species. Very rare in the trade. Not at all grown in the Tucson trade.
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