History of Palm Trees in California
When many people think of California, they envision sunny skies, sandy beaches and streets lined with palm trees. Often seen as symbol of California's warm climate, palm trees are commonly found across the southern half of the state. Does this Spark an idea?
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Date Palm Origins
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According to the Los Angeles Times, Spanish Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries first brought date palm trees to California in 1769. In the early 1900s, date palm seedlings were brought from Egypt, Algeria and Iraq to California's Coachella Valley and have blossomed ever since.
Fan Palm Origins and Uses
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The fan palm is native to Southern California's hot desert climate and lives between 80 and 90 years, according to the National Park Service. American Indians used fan palm fronds to build shady waterproof shelters and ate palm fruit for sustenance.
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Other Uses
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The Luiseno, Diegueno and Cahuilla tribes of southern California also relied on fan palms for survival, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The leaves were used for ropes, baskets, clothing and sandals; the stalks were used for utensils. Native Americans helped to disburse fan palms by carrying and planting seeds and firing palm stands to control beetle damage.
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