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Palm trees, Pampas Grass, Penwill Way, Clennon Valley

Torbay Palm Trees are widely planted by residents and public authorities alike in South Devon. The mild climate allows them to thrive. Every so often a severe winter cuts them down - they can't bear to have frozen snow trapped in their leaves. If the top appears to have been killed off, the normal practice is to wait to see if it is completely dead. Often it is not. However, if it is, this is cut down and almost always the plant springs up from new shoots at the base. Also in this picture is pampas grass. This appears to be exceptionally hardy and unaffected by frost. In France it is perceived by many as as an invasive plant. Anyone who has tried to uproot or kill off a well established plant will be able to attest to its tenacious powers, even to the extent of surviving successive bonfires. Scots Pine is also to be seen lower down at the junction.