Gaussia attenuata

Gaussia (GAWS-see-ah) attenuata (at-ten-oo-AH-tah)
CUBA: Soledad. Photo by L.H. Bailey Hortorium, 1971.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Gaussia (GAWS-see-ah) Species: attenuata (at-ten-oo-AH-tah)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Llume palm. Aereas (local name), Palma de Lluvia, Palma Flaca.

Habitat and Distribution

Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico.

Western Puerto Rico grows on steep hillsides of monsoonal limestone plains. Photo-Southeastgrowers.com

Open forest on limestone soils.

Description

A tall, solitary, pinnate palm to about 20 meters, spread 2.5 to 3.5 meters, with grey stems which are swollen at the base and tapering above. Stems are 15 to 25 centimetres in diameter. Trees have five to seven pinnately compound leaves. Fruit are orange-red, 1.4 to 1.6 cm long and 1.2 cm in diameter, with one to three seeds. Editing by edric.

Culture

Sunny, moist, but well drained position. Very slow, and intolerant of cold. Likes regular dressings of lime. Hardiness range: 9A - 10B.

Comments and Curiosities

A cliff-dwelling palm from monsoon-type forests in Puerto Rico that grows a slender, solitary stem, usually swollen at the base and holds an open crown with deep green, plumose leaves. Easy and very fast growing it does best in the tropics but can take a little cold with ease. (RPS.com)