Two closely related genera of New World palms, of the family Arecaceae; (a) Serenoa repens or the saw palmetto is the only species of its genus; it has certain medicinal uses; (b) Sabul, represented by about 15 species, some known commonly as palmettos, others as fan palms
or cabbage palmetto Tree (Sabal palmetto) of the palm family, occurring in the southeastern U.S. and the West Indies. Commonly grown for shade and as ornamentals along avenues, palmettos grow to about 80 ft (24 m) tall and have fan-shaped leaves. The water-resistant trunk is used as wharf piling. Mats and baskets are sometimes made from the leaves, and stiff brushes are made from the stems. The buds are edible. S. texana, a similar species, occurs in the southwestern U.S. and in Mexico