ABSTRACT
In the southeastern United States, cabbage palmetto is native to Florida, Georgia, southeastern North Carolina, and South Carolina. Cabbage palmetto occurs in hammocks, tidal flats, coastal dunes, coastal marshes, sandy shores, river banks, and seacoast woodlands. A deadly phytoplasma named Date Palm Lethal Decline and Texas Phoenix Palm Decline affects several palm species, including cabbage palmetto. The Seminole Indians ate the raw fruits of cabbage palmetto, reduced them to syrup, and used them to prepare bread meal. The hearts of cabbage palmetto used to be regarded as a food for poor people in Florida and were widely harvested during the Depression era. Central and South Americans like their hearts of palm very soft, and the processors cook the product longer to obtain the softer texture. The majority of Americans like their hearts of palm more crunchy, as they are when newly harvested.
