Walking through the streets of London, one might expect to see classic English oaks, or even the same trees that are found on the upper coasts of the United States. Although many of those trees can be here, you might be surprised to know that topical palm trees grow here as well. Their presence feels very out of place, which only sparked my curiosity about how a plant so strongly associated with warm, sunny climates, can thrive in a city know for its cool and rainy temperatures.
After doing some research, I have learned that the most common “palm tree” seen in London is often known as the Cabbage Palm. These palms look very much look like classic palm trees, featuring the single, slender trunk that tends to be pretty smooth. At the top, a crown of large, fan-shaped spiky leaves sprout outwords, which creates that very common tropical look. A difference I did notice during my time here in London is that they are definitely not as tall as the palms found on some tropical islands, but they do still make me feel as though I have been transported to a much warmer place when I see them along the streets.
