It’s one of the most spectacular trees in the park - a Chilean wine palm ( Jubaea chilensis), native (of course) to Chile. This species is the second most massive type of palm in the world, but it’s very slow growing, so it’s impressive to have such a large one here in the park. Just a bit further on the left is another grove of six palm trees that look similar to the Nikau palms, but they are a closely related species - Norfolk Island palm trees ( Rhopalostylis baueri), native to Australia’s Norfolk Island.Īs you continue, on your left you’ll pass a number of palm trees of different species, but behind them you’ll see a large palm in the lawn with very large trunk. Just past these palms is a grouping of six Nikau palms ( Rhopalostylis sapida), New Zealand’s only native palm – you’ll see them just before you reach the exit sign leading to stairs on your left. On your immediate left are a grove of kentia palms ( Howea forsteriana) and sentry palms ( Howea belmoreana), both from Lord Howe Island, east of Australia – they’re the palms with the striped trunks the two species look similar but the three palms closest to the corner of the garden are the sentry palms. Turn left at the pathway to begin a tour of the park’s palm garden.

Interspersed among the trees are small cycads, also native to Australia (they look like very short, small palms – the scientific name is Macrozamia communis). On your right will be a grove of Brisbane box trees from Australia (or Lophostemon confertus if you’re a botanist), one of San Francisco’s most common street trees. Turn right, and continue until you reach the path that circles the park.

From the ground floor of the transit center, ascend the escalator until you reach the top level.

Sfdc park