Palm Canyon has the world’s largest forest of California fan palms. The scientific name is Washingtonia filifera. The Cahuilla tribe calls it Ma ul. According to an ancient legend, no palms existed here until an elder named Ma ul willed himself to be converted into the unique roots, bark and palm leaves we see today. For thousands of years, the Augua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has relied on the California fan palms’ fruit for food plus its fronds for building homes and weaving baskets.
