It is autumn but the palm trees here are all sprouting new leaves. The new leaves look like a stick in the middle of the plant -- like an Alfalfa cowlick in a head of hair (random My Gang reference).
Although there are lots of different kinds of palm trees -- or at least they look really different to me (the non-biologist) -- all of them seem to sprout new leaves the same way.
The stick is actually just a leaf rolled up really tight. It unfurls like a flag or umbrella as it matures.
The new leaves are often a lighter green or shinier than the others for awhile.
This is an interesting palm I walked by on the way to meet my ride-share this morning. it doesn't seem to be sprouting a new leaf but, judging from all the others, it should soon.
