Coccothrinax inaguensis
Coccothrinax (koh-koh-TRIH-naks) inaguensis (ihn-ah-goo-EN-siss) | |||||||
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Little Water Cay (Turks & Caicos Islands). Adaxial (topside) leaf surface. | |||||||
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Contents
Habitat and Distribution
Bahamas. Found in coastal scrub, on sandy and limestone soils, in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the southern Bahamas.Description
The thatch palm (Coccothrinax inaguensis) is a relatively rare coastal species, which is restricted to just a few islands in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos. It has a slender, smooth grey trunk attaining heights of up to 6 m, and bears palmate leaves on long slim stems. The leaves are generally very stiff, with umbrella-shaped leaf blades which are shiny green above and silvery below. A two-layered leaf sheath is closely woven with fine fibrous strands, forming an extension above the petiole (the small leaf stalk that joins the leaf to the stem). The inflorescence of the thatch palm hangs down in clusters from the leaf sheath, curving down below the leaves. The outer petals and specialised leaves of the flower are yellow or straw-coloured, and the ovaries are yellowish-green. The small, round, berry-like fruits are borne on small stalks, and are red, purplish or blackish when ripe. Editing by edric.
Culture
Freeze Damage in metro Orlando, 2010: Jan. 7th - 31 f, advective - no frost, - 3 hrs. Jan. 8th - 30 f, radiational - light frost, - 3 hrs. Jan. 10th - 29 f, advective - no frost, 12 hrs. Jan. 11th - 28 f, advective - light frost, 9 hrs. Jan. 12th - 29 f, radiational - heavy frost, 2 hrs. (Dave Witt)
Comments and Curiosities
External Links
- Glossary of Palm Terms
- MODERN BOTANICAL LATIN
- "Just To Be Clear"
- A New Species from the Bahamas. ROBERT W. READ.
References
Phonetic spelling of Latin names by edric.
Special thanks to Geoff Stein, (Palmbob) for his hundreds of photos.
Special thanks to Palmweb.org, Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. Bill Baker & team, for their volumes of information and photos.
Glossary of Palm Terms; Based on the glossary in Dransfield, J., N.W. Uhl, C.B. Asmussen-Lange, W.J. Baker, M.M. Harley & C.E. Lewis. 2008. Genera Palmarum - Evolution and Classification of the Palms. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. All images copyright of the artists and photographers (see images for credits).
Many Special Thanks to Ed Vaile for his long hours of tireless editing and numerous contributions.