Hardy Tropical Trees

Windmill Palm

• Windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortune) is also referred to as Chusan palm and Chinese windmill palm. The tropical tree has a compact growth and is among the most cold-hardy palm trees; it is native to the temperate and subtropical mountains of Asia, southeastern China and the Chusan Island. The tree grows to a mature height of 20 to 40 feet and is well tolerant of subfreezing temperatures, often covered under snow and ice in its native habitat. The tree has a slender 8- to 10-inch, gray or brown fiber-covered trunk and circular, 3 feet leaves arranged in a symmetrical crown. Plant in areas of partial shade and well drained soil.

Guava

• Guava is a native of the American tropics and is widely grown as a popular fruit tree in nearly all the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Young guava trees can tolerate temperature in the upper to mid 20 degrees while the more established survive in a slightly colder temperature. The vitamin C content in guavas exceeds that of orange juice, as cited by the Texas A&M Extension site. Guava trees adapt well to a variety of soil types with good drainage. The fruit of guava trees ranges from 1 oz. to nearly 1 lb. depending on variety. The majority of guava varieties produce their best harvest during summer.

Japanese Fiber Banana

• Japanese fiber banana (Musa basjoo) is a cold tolerant variety of banana trees that survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees F. with mulch. Japanese fiber banana is the most cold hardy of all banana varieties, ideal for growing in areas with cold winters. Bananas are tropical trees that thrive in hot and humid weather with a rapid growth rate of up to 2 feet every year. Japanese fiber banana grows to a mature height of 18 feet and starts to bear fruit at 10 feet or when it has about 35 leaves. The fruit of Japanese fiber banana trees is not edible. The tree slows its growth during winter but bounces back on track with warm weather.