Decidous Trees are trees that lose their leaves at some time during the year usually to cut down their need for water. In cool regions, they lose them in winter because water is hard to come by when groundwater is frozen. In warm regions they lose them in the summer when the soil dries out quickly. All deciduous trees are flowering plants (see page 71) and have broad flat leaves which is why they are also known as broad-leaved trees - although there are also evergreen broad-leaved trees. Broad-leaved trees include deciduous trees. Broad-leaved trees include deciduous trees such as ash and chestnut, evergreen trees such as holly, and palm trees.
Facts: About palm trees
•Long leaves
Palm trees have thick tough leaves that help them survive in hot places. There are about 2,800 species some with leaves as long as 12m and as wide as 2.5m.
•No branches
Palms have no branches. The leaves grow directly out from the tunk.
The leaves stems and fruit of palm trees provide lots of useful products, ranging from baskets, furniture food and oil. Even soap.
