Technically not a softwood or a hardwood as palm is not a true wood, this is more of a grass and like bamboo  palm does not add growth rings each year.  The center core of the “tree” has a softer brown/ yellow blonde color and darker to black fibers imbed in a more dense manner as they go toward the outside of the tree.  The dark fibers give the  palm its characteristic look and hardness.  The center wood will not be nearly as hard.