
These are the famous royal palms, dating back to the period of
Dom João VI. These trees were originally reserved for the royal
family only. All palms are originated from a single tree, the
Palma Mater (that was tragically destroyed by a lightning
recently). The seeds were supposed to be burned, so that they
wouldn't be used by ordinary subjects. A curiosity is that slaves
sometimes would hide them and smuggle them outside the gardens.
Many of them purchased their freedom papers using money earned
from selling these seeds.