where do find them?

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/60821/index.html

I have one. It cost $75 for a SEEDLING but I got it for free from a friend. They are supposed to be extremely hardy

Can anyone find a picture?

RoyalPalm-

Mules are not all that hard to find in central FL. Ive bought two of them in the past year, one for $25 (3 gallon) and the other for $50 (7 gallon).

These palms can vary in appearance...some look and grow more like the Queen parent, while others are more Butia-like. I prefer the more Queen-like ones as they look prettier (IMO as "pretty" is a subjective term) and grow alot faster.

I have a photo of a large one near where I live (a town south) that I will post next.

You can buy them on ebay... : )

Mule Palms (Butia x Syagrus) are a classic example of taking the good characteristics of two palms and putting them together. Most exhibit the glaucous, coconut-like leaflets and fast growth of a Syagrus, but the cold hardiness and strength of a Butia. It might be the best landscape plant for Central Florida, as it can grow like a Syagrus but does not set viable seed, hence the term Mule. Tim Hopper at Hybrid Palms (www.hybridpalms.com) has one and three gallons for sale and they are in excellent shape. Prices are a tad high but it does take some time to pollinate Butias and make sure you have the right plant. You can find them here and there around the state but it is the luck of the draw. I have about 5 Butia x Jubaea crosses, also another great plant for its sheer size and beauty.

My friend "won" this one from a nursery when he bet the guy he could identify the palm (they were unlabeled). The prize was a specimen of the palm. He won, but he had to move across the country, so he gave the plant to me. He said the guy was selling them for $75

That is a great looking palm. How fast do they grow compared to a royal or tall coconut. I will certainly be looking at getting one next spring.

Mules require better nutrition than Butia, but are not quite as finicky as queens. They require better nutrition as they age. There are many ratty mules in Central Florida because this is not recognized.

Hi AndyAndy:
The tallest living Butyagrus I know of is on the North side of McCarty Hall "C", facing North toward McC "A" on the campus of UF. It was planted very close to 1960 and is 44 feet tall. It is in this thread:

http://members3.boardhost.com/HardyPalm/msg/1165611174.html

Here is a link that might be useful: XButyagrus at McC hall, UF

Is it possible that people mix up what is a "mule" palm. I am looking in "An Enctyclopedia of Cultivated palms" and it lists Mule Palm as Syagrus romanzoffiana and the picture looks like a queen. It does not say anything about being a hybrid. I also see a palm ButiaxJubae and it very much looks like a coconut palm. The trunk looks a little diffirent and of course there are no coconuts but the fronds look exactly like a coconut. Any ideas.

Andy-

The EOCP does not state that a "Mule Palm" is a Syagrus romanzoffiana. Its states that the "Mule Palm" is a hybrid between S. romanzoffiana and B. capitata. See pages 282 and 460. Also, see plate 156 for a photo of the hybrid.

am I crazy or did my post get removed from this thread? the post im refering to is the 1 of my guestimation of age... of course, it could have been in another thread or even another board!

I would definitely heed Merrill's words of advice in consideration of Mule Palms and all hybrids. He is a man with a wealth of palm knowledge and was on the forefront of cultivated palm hybrids. Most of the Butia x Jubaea specimens likely came from seed batches Merrill did himself as well as the Butia x Syagrus hybrids. I dont think anyone knows more about hybrids than he does.

Correct me if I am wrong Merrill :).

I just came across this post in my research of Mule palms. Specifically adressed to Spockvr6, and in general to everyone: Where can I find one of these palms for a good price? Spockvr6: Last year you mentioned you bought a couple of these palms, a 3 gallon for $25 and a 7 gallon for $50. Could you tell me what nursery you bought them from, and if you have their website or phone number? What city are they located. This seems like a really good price, and I'd like to get one. Much better than Hybrid Palms has them priced.
Thanks

Just bumpin it up.

Galveston
I do believe thee was another thread on
this some time ago.

Palmpunk-

I bought mine from a local guy here. He doesnt have a nursery per se and just sold me a couple of plants from his own (fantastic) garden.

thanks for getting back to me. That's too bad. I guess I'll just have to keep on looking.
thanks again

OK, Here's the man you need to speak to. St. Aug I believe...

http://www.hybridpalms.com/