Palms For California

Pronunciation: coe-coe-THRY-nax kri-NEE-tuh

Common Name: Old Man Palm

Coccothrinax crinta is one of the more commonly grown Coccothrinax in California, but also one of the slowest palms that grow well here. Ultimate height is only an estimate and no palms are even close to full height at this time, in California. Ornamental thick, hair-like mane of fiber covering entire trunk surface, making trunk seem much thicker than it is. The 'Cousin It' of palms. Coccothrinax crinita var. brevicrinus is a form sans hairy fibers, but faster growing (see separate entry).

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 10-20 fan leaves Height: 10' estimated Trunk: single; covered typically with a thick, wooly layer of fiber, even in fairly small palms; 6"-8" thick Crownshaft: none Spread: 8' Leaf Description: palmate; leaves completely circular; 6' long; deeply divided (about half to 3/4 length of leaf) with stiff to slightly drooping leaflets; light green Petiole/Leaf bases: long (4') and very thin; unarmed; flat on dorsal surface; unsplit leaf bases, though rarely since due to thick, hair-like fiber on trunk Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 5' long and extend beyond leaves Fruit: 1" diameter spherical fruit; lavender when ripe Seed:

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 26F Drought Tolerance: low Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: low Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: very slow Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: full to partial sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: other than very slow growth, no major problems Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare, but often available at specialty nurseries, though palms of any size very expensive and rare