When we set this 2 foot tall palm tree out the specs said it would withstand down to 20 degrees. Well a few winters we had maybe 14 or 15 degrees a night or two so with it still growing after each cold spell we thought we had a winner... It is on the south side of the house so being protected from the cold wind we thought it would be okay but it sure ain't looking good but hey at the base it is maybe three or four foot in diameter so any one wanting to turn some exotic palm wood just come on over with you pickup I can set it in the back with the back-hoe.
I've never seen a palm bowl but maybe with some super glue or something one might end up with enough wood for many years...I would say it might be equal to turning southern yellow pine on a wood lathe any day. I think I read where it will equal teak in lots of respects or was that just plain specs?