Origin of the Mule Palm

The Mule Palm traces its roots back to the late 1800s and early 1900s through the pioneering work of French horticulturist Paul Nabannond, one of the earliest palm hybridizers in the world.

While experimenting with cross-pollination in Mediterranean gardens, Nabonnand successfully hybridized the South American Pindo Palm (Butia capitata) with the Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana). The result was a completely new palm that displayed stronger vigor, faster growth, and improved cold tolerance compared to the Queen — while retaining its elegant tropical appearance. This hybrid would later be formally recognized and named × Butiagrus nabonnandii in his honor.

For decades, Mule Palms remained rare due to the difficulty of producing viable seed. Unlike typical palms that reproduce easily, this hybrid requires deliberate hand pollination under controlled conditions, and successful germination rates are low. That rarity is part of what made the Mule Palm legendary among collectors and palm growers throughout the United States.

Because of the specialized hybridization process required to produce viable Mule Palm seedlings, reliable suppliers are highly valued by wholesale nurseries and growers looking to source authentic, genetically verified hybrids.

Frank Lewis is widely credited with introducing and popularizing mule palms in the United States. In 2001, through his nursery, Moultrie Palms, Frank and his wife, Elaine, intentionally crossed two different palm types to grow what we now know as the mule palm consistently. Before their work, mule palms were rare and usually appeared by chance. Their work laid the foundation for modern Mule Palm production, allowing commercial growers and wholesale nurseries to reliably cultivate and supply this sought-after hybrid.

Thanks to their efforts, mule palms became easier to find and grow. They helped bring this palm to landscapers and homeowners and showed that it could thrive in areas that get cooler than typical tropical climates. Today, this unique hybrid is highly valued not only by collectors but also by wholesale palm growers, nurseries, and landscape suppliers seeking durable and high-demand palms for resale and large-scale planting projects. St. Augustine Exotics, after purchasing Moultrie Palms in 2025, looks to continue Frank and Elaine’s contribution in bringing the luxury and beauty of the palm to colder climates.