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From Palmpedia

Sabal (SAY-bal) domingensis (doh-ming-EN-sis)
Scientific Classification
Genus: Sabal (SAY-bal) Species: domingensis (doh-ming-EN-sis)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Costapalmate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Sabal domingensis is known as the "Hispaniola palmetto", "Hispaniola palm", or "Dominican palm"[citation needed] palma cana in the Dominican Republic and latanier-chapeau in Haiti. Sabal domingensis is found from northwest Haiti to the central Dominican Republic, and is also present in Cuba. It is usually found in secondary vegetation between 100 and 1,000 metres (328 and 3,281 ft) above sea level.

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Contents 1 Habitat and Distribution 2 Description 3 Culture 4 Comments and Curiosities 5 External Links 6 References

Habitat and Distribution

Sabal domingensis, the Hispaniola palmetto is a species of palm which is native to Hispaniola and Cuba.

Description

Sabal domingensis is a fan palm, and costapalmate, with solitary, very stout stems, which grows up to 16 metres (53 ft.) tall and 60 centimetres (24 in.) in diameter. Plants have 20–30 leaves, each with about 90 leaflets. The inflorescences, which are branched, arching and at least as long as the leaves, bear pear-shaped, black fruit. The fruit are 1–1.4 centimetres (0.4–0.6 in.) in diameter; fruit size and shape are the main characteristics by which this species differs from Sabal causiarum. Editing by edric.

Culture

Hispaniola palm is easy to grow on most soils except those that are continually soggy. It has a preference for light sandy soils. Prone to Potassium deficiency in SoCal. Fertilize twice yearly in spring and summer for faster growth. Light: Thrives in bright, sunny, exposed areas. Moisture: Drought tolerant. Hardiness: USDA Zones, 9 - 10. May also be hardy in some parts of Zone 8. many young palms have weathered 20º F. (-6.6º C.) with only minor leaf damage - and seem to be mostly resistant to the fungus diseases that strike after a hard freeze. Propagation: This palm is easy to propagate from seed. Germination time is 2 to 6 months.

Comments and Curiosities

This is a tillering palm, it exhibits saxophone style root growth (it has a heel), keep top third of heel above soil elevation!.

Uses: The leaves are used for thatch and to weave a variety of items including hats, baskets and mats.

External Links

• Glossary of Palm Terms
• Pronunciation Key
• http://www.palmdoctor.com/Palm_0f_The_Month/Sabal_domingensis.htm
• http://www.floridata.com/ref/s/saba_dom.cfm
• http://southeastgarden.com/cuba.html
• THE SAXOPHONE STYLE ROOT GROWTH (HEEL)

References

Phonetic spelling of Latin names by edric.

Special thanks to Geoff Stein, (Palmbob) for his hundreds of photos, edric.

Special thanks to palmweb.org, Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. Bill Baker & team, for their volumes of information and photos, edric.

IMAGE GALLERY

Sabal domingensis	SoCal, with Potassium deficiency, edric.	SoCal, with Potassium deficiency, edric.
			Photo by Mike Smith, edric.
	Guantanamo province, Cuba. Photo by Jason Schoneman, edric.	Guantanamo province, Cuba. Photo by Jason Schoneman, edric.