Sabal palmetto, also called cabbage palm or cabbage palmetto, is a type of palm tree that grows in Cuba, the Bahamas, and the southeastern United States. It is the state tree of Florida and South Carolina. It may grow from 20 to 90 feet (6 to 27 meters) tall and has ribbed, fan-shaped leaves that are 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters) in length. The tree bears a round black fruit that measures 1/2 inch (13 millimeters) in diameter.
The sabal palmetto has edible leaf buds. The buds are formed of new leaves that are developing in the center of the leaf cluster and have not yet opened. The buds may be roasted, boiled, or eaten raw. But they are not often harvested, because harvesting the buds can damage and even kill the tree.
