Synecdoche and then Metonymy (in italics)

  It's not the rough, spiky bark, or the plume of vibrant green leaves. What makes it a symbol is not the nuts that grow from its branches, or the slight bend in its trunk. The special thing is not what it is, but who it is, its beautiful beach front home. Its sandy base, its presence in every picture of paradise. Something about a sunset is just better with them in the horizon. Palm trees individually are not special, but it's what they represent that make them powerful.