The history of the Palm Collection at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens is deeply connected to the island’s long-standing relationship with palms, which have played a vital role in Bermuda’s landscape, culture, and economy for centuries. Native species such as the Bermuda Palmetto (Sabal bermudana)—the island’s national tree—have long been valued for their resilience, practical uses, and symbolic importance. Bermuda’s subtropical climate has also allowed a wide range of palms from the Caribbean, Central America, Africa, and Asia to thrive, leading to their widespread cultivation in private gardens, estates, and public spaces.

By the mid‑20th century, growing awareness of the ecological and cultural significance of palms, particularly the conservation needs of endemic and threatened species, encouraged their formal collection and study. The Palm Collection at the Botanical Gardens reflects this commitment, showcasing a diverse range of species that highlight Bermuda’s botanical history while contributing to international palm conservation, research, and education efforts.