Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann’s office announced that a special gift is being donated to the citizens of Lehigh Acres from two of their own. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reifer, long time residents, have a unique tree in their front yard, thought to exist only once in 25,000 occurrences in nature.
It is the native Sabal Palm (also known as the Cabbage Palm), but this one has two heads. This palm is extremely rare, and Mann said “in all my life in Lee County, I have only seen two others.” They are accidents in nature, and scientists can only speculate as to how they occur, Mann said. County staff transplanted this outstanding Florida product from the Reifer’s front yard today, moving it to the major Lehigh Acres intersection at the corner of Lee Blvd. and Homestead Road. Here it can then be seen and enjoyed by thousands of Lehigh citizens daily, Mann said. Mann said he believes this unique symbol of Florida to be perfect for this unique community, and will be a special sight to be appreciated for years to come. Mann said “I am particularly pleased that our county staff is able to move the tree to its new location. We are very grateful to the Reifer’s for this truly special gift.”