Botanical Garden might have replacement palm in waiting
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The palm in the foreground will be removed Monday. Photo courtesy of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The 70-foot Cuban royal palm at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden that's being chopped down next week might have a natural replacement.
Why it matters: The palm was donated in 2009 by Ron Allen after it outgrew his Iowa City house. He is now growing a Johannes palm, a species that Garden officials believe is uncommon and might accept as a donation later this year.
- This variety isn't expected to outgrow the dome and would be located in different spot, spokesperson Maggie Conner tells Axios.
Catch up fast: Garden staffers are removing the Cuban palm because its fronds have reached the top of the dome and could apply enough pressure to damage panels and risk guest safety.
- Allen offered the new donation after reading our story on Monday.
Flashback: Allen started the Cuban palm from a seed he found in 2005 along a sidewalk in Boca Raton, Florida, he tells Axios.
- The plant outgrew his home by 2009, when he donated it to the Garden.
State of play: He's sad to see the palm go but always knew it would someday outgrow the dome.
- "It puts a smile on my face knowing how many people have enjoyed it over the years," Allen says.
Of note: Sunday is the last day to see the Cuban palm.
- The Garden is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm; and 6-10pm Friday through March for Dome After Dark.
- General adult admission: $10.
