Palms For California

Pronunciation: cry-oh-SAH-fill-uh stow-ruh-CAN-thuh

Common Name: Silver Rootspine Palm

Cryosophila stauracantha is one of several Cryosophila species that have been grown successfully in California. Most look very much alike and seem cultivationaly similar as well, too. Though called rootspine palms, most of these growing in California fail to produce very many of these structures probably due to low humidity. They are actually very user-friendly plants with no sharp edges or dangerous parts.

Synonym: Cryosophila argentea

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 10-12 fan leaves Height: 15' estimate Trunk: single; 4" thick; tan; covered with retained, un-split leaf bases and some random fibrous material Crownshaft: none Spread: 3'-4' Leaf Description: palmate; 2'-3' long; light green on top and whitish-blue-green below; leaves split about half their length; leaflets droop near point of splitting; leaves fairly thin and prone to wind damage Petiole/Leaf bases: 8"-12"; thin; unarmed Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 2'; pendulous from within leaves; covered with multiple papery spathes initially; flowers creamy white Fruit: spherical; 1"; white

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