Question
Hello,
I'm an ardent reader of information about horticulture. This past year, I
acquired a plant that looks like a plam tree to me, but of a species I've not
seen before. I wanted to attach photos for you but can't find the link on this
page for that. Where can I send them?

The photos don't show the unique thing about this plant: the "branches" --
upon which the leaves grow -- are have tiny stickers that remind me of the
blackberries I used to grow. These stickers are quicte small, but very woody,
and the "branches" are greenish-brownish in color and appear "fuzzy" along
their length. Additionally, the leaves are serrated along their edges, and
honestly, the leaves feel almost like plastic. Had it not grown 2 new leaf-
branches this summer, I would have thought it was plastic, save that the
plant does change, and grow, and if given direct Sun, will sunburn easily.

Can you help identify this for me and help me provide it with better care?
Because it is slow growing, I fear I'll kill it before I manage to figure out its
needs. I suspect its not a true palm, but some form of a tropical 'false palm'
except that tropical trees should grow quickly due to the stiff competition for
light. Ah well, there goes that theory. Again, your help is appreciated!

My thanks in advance,
Timothy in Phoenix, AZ


Answer
Hi Timothy,
   I really can't identify this plant without a photo. I know that you can attach a photo to your question because I have gotten several questions recently with photos attached. I have been on vacation for several months and this feature was added while I was gone.
Try to resend your question and upload the photo (No need to retype your question since I already have it)
If you still can not find the link to upload the photo then make the second question private so I can send you my e-mail address and you can send the photo to my e-mail.
Sorry for the extra steps. I had posted an e-mail address in a public answer here once and was soon overwhelmed with spam.
Thanks
  Tracy