I planted a small one of these this past fall. I wasn't able to find any fruit to taste so I hope that it's good :)

Pindos (Butia capitata) are more told tolerant. You should be able to grow Pindos in your zone 7a/b garden. (Washingtonia would not survive zone 7 without some wrapping protection.) I suggest planting relatively large specimens as they are much cold hardier than smaller ones. I would grow it on in a container until it becomes too large and then try it in the ground. I am planting one in the Spring. Just in case, I also intend to grow two others in containers. They have the reputation for being slow, but I don't find them that slow at all. A couple summers ago, Pathmark supermarket was selling nice-sized Washingtonia for $10.00 so I bought a few of them. Eventually, I'll experiment with one of these in the ground (with winter protection again). Haven't seen Butias being sold locally --yet.

Don't know what to say about that,looks kinds scary down there.... seems like it should have been growing already-esp- being as its in Texas and all....looking for some live tissue sounds like a good idea. Looks like tough going though,good luck.

Pretty intense but you have great results to show for all of your work!