It is thought to derive from the Rubia Gallega breed of Galicia, in north-western Spain.

Following the mechanisation of agriculture in the second half of the twentieth century, demand for draught animals fell sharply; there was also competition from imported beef and dairy stock.

[5] The Palmera was classified among the breeds "at risk of extinction" by the Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente, the Spanish ministry of agriculture, on 7 November 1997.

[8] The Palmera is traditionally a triple-purpose breed, used as a draught animal and for milk and meat production; today it is raised mainly for beef.

[4]: 129  Many are kept as show animals, either to be shown at agricultural fairs or to participate in the traditional rural sport of arrastre de piedra, stone-dragging.