anyway ive been to the garden centre and was shown two sorts of palms...might have to resort to a spade outside the police-station (is this a good idea?)
Hey, thought this might help you. I found cannas at the Vivero AnnaMaria in Puerto Plata on Ginebra across from the Palace of Justice. According to my receipt they are called "sigairon"
Very nice gardens, and the owner has some English capibilities.