Palmate

The 1. ligule is the terminal point of the 2. leaf sheath. The leaf sheaths are the fibrous attachments located on the lowest part, or base of the 3. stem (rachis) where it attaches to the trunk.

The ligule sometimes begins as a paper-like wrap or straps, but later disintegrates into fibers. The ligule and leaf sheaths split as the trunk and rachis mature. Ligule are technically defined as the projection farthest from the center of the point of attachment to the leaf sheath. They are usually rather triangular or ribbon-like until they split with age.

Types Two and Three (Shovel and Spatula) have the best ligule. Not all fan palms have discernable ligule. Feather (pinnate) palms do not have them.