{"title":"Serenoa","description":"\u003cp\u003eSerenoa is a genus containing a single species of fan palm, \u003cem\u003eSerenoa repens\u003c\/em\u003e. Also known as saw palmetto due to the sawtooth-shaped spines along its stems, this slow-growing palm can be found in clumps growing in sandy soil along the coastal Southeastern US.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEven though mature \u003cem\u003eSerenoa repens\u003c\/em\u003e is tolerant to drought, hurricanes, and flooding, it can be a difficult palm to grow for the first three years. In colder climates, start in a large container before placing in the ground. Full sun is best. Once established, saw palmettos can reach 8' tall x 12' wide in 10 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eMedicinal Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSaw palmetto extract is commonly marketed as a dietary supplement and treatment for enlarged prostates, urinary track infections, and even cancer. \u003ca title=\"Opens NCCIH in new tab\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/saw-palmetto\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRecent studies\u003c\/a\u003e, however, have shown little scientific basis for these claims and it can actually be dangerous to ingest if pregnant. \u003cem\u003eSerenoa repens\u003c\/em\u003e has also been historically used as a folk remedy for stomachaches and dysentery.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eEthnobotany\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit of \u003cem\u003eSernoa repens\u003c\/em\u003e was used as both a food source and folk medicine by indigenous people in the Southeast prior to the arrival of European colonists. The Seminole people of Florida used an infusion of the berries to treat various digestive ailments and utilized the stems and foliage to make woven baskets.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eEcological Impact\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSaw palmetto fruit is a food source for over 100 bird species and many mammals, amphibians, and insects. It is also a \u003ca title=\"See our list of the top butterfly plants for your garden\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/blogs\/articles\/butterfly-garden-plants-host-attract-butterflies\"\u003ebutterfly host plant\u003c\/a\u003e for the larva of the monk skipper (\u003cem\u003eAsbolis capucinus\u003c\/em\u003e) and the palmetto skipper (\u003cem\u003eEuphyes arpa\u003c\/em\u003e) and a nectar source for many species of butterflies and bees.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe genus was named in honor of American botanist \u003ca title=\"Open Sereno Watson wiki page in new tab\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sereno_Watson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSereno Watson\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/collections\/Serenoa-repens-Papay-Silver-1900x350.jpg?v=1680017751","url":"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/serenoa.oembed","provider":"Plant Delights Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}