Palms For California

Pronunciation: coe-coe-THRIH-nax bar-buh-DEN-siss

Common Name: Puerto Rican Thatch Palm; Lesser Antilles Silver Thatch

Coccothrinax barbadensis is grown in several gardens in California but is not an overly popular palm. It is softer leaves than some of the other Coccothrinax, and the potential for some great height. But in California, so far, it does not seem to grow anywhere nearly as tall as in nature. It has some relatively good cold tolerance, though not terribly unique in appearance.

Synonyms: Coccothrinax australis; Coccothrinax dussiana

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 12-14 fan leaves Height: 20' Trunk: single; 6" in diameter; covered with dense, fine-mesh fibrous matting on upper trunk along with un-split leaf bases; lower trunk is grey and fairly clean Crownshaft: none Spread: 6' Leaf Description: palmate to very slightly costapalmate; leaf blades divided about half their length; leaves 3'-5' long; bright green on top and medium green underneath Petiole/Leaf bases: thin; unarmed; arching; un-split leaf bases, often retained on trunk; 2'-3' long Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: from within leaves; 2' long; arching; white flowers Fruit: spherical; 1/2" thick; light green to reddish purple and finally dark brown to black when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 27F Drought Tolerance: good Dry Heat Tolerance: good Cool Tolerance: good Wind Tolerance: moderate Salt Tolerance: moderate Growth Rate: very slow to slow with age Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: filtered to full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare