Palms For California

Pronunciation: pair-uh-joo-BAY-uh coe-COY-deez

Common Name: Quito Coconut Palm; Quito Palm

Parajubaea cocoidesis the first Parajubaea to be grown in California and there are numerous mature specimens throughout the state, both in northern and southern California now. However, the other two species have since overrun this one in terms of popularity and are quite a bit more reliable in terms of not having cultivational troubles and rate of growth. However it is still an excellent palm for California. Its origins are unclear as there haven't been any of these found in the wild.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 18-15 pinnate leaves Height: 35' Trunk: single; 18"; covered with fiber and un-split leaf bases for about 15', then clean; grey-brown with very subtle leaf base scars Crownshaft: none Spread: 12'-18' Leaf Description: pinnate; flat with twist so leaves are perpendicular to ground; 12' long; long, parallel leaflets; olive green; shiny on top and slightly silvery underneath Petiole/Leaf bases: 2'-3' long; lime green dorsally; ventrally silvery coating over lime green with yellowy midline; un-split leaf bases retained on trunk for years Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: from bottom of crown; 12"-24" long; narrow spathes retained (not always); multiple short branches; arching/drooping; flowers pale yellow-cream Fruit: ovoid; pointed at one end and rounded/flat at the other; greenish brown when ripe; 1.5" long; edible (reportedly good- like a coconut)

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 27F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: moderate Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow to moderate with age Soil Preference: widely adaptable Light Requirement: full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: intolerant of hot, humid climates; tends to develop bud rot easily (particularly with overhead watering) Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: not likely to do well Availability: rare and now even more rare than it was, due to growers preference of other two species