Therefore, L.A. must have palm trees. And if a green and glamorous palm tree signals the idyllic, a flaming one shouts “dystopian,” divine punishment, an Eden expulsion in situ.

About 200 years ago, a palm tree was planted in downtown Los Angeles. The fan palm was originally from the Southern California desert, a newcomer to the city like so many who would arrive later.

The City of Escondido lists every palm tree found in Southern California gardens on its list of fire-resistant species, although they are accompanied by a warning to be planted between 10 and 30 ...