Coccothrinax ekmanii

Coccothrinax (koh-koh-TRIH-naks) ekmanii (ek-mahn'-ee)
Dominican Republic. Photo by Dr. John Dransfield, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew/Palmweb.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Coccothrinax (koh-koh-TRIH-naks) Species: ekmanii (ek-mahn'-ee)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Palmate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Gouane palm

Habitat and Distribution

Hispaniola. Haiti, and Dominican Republic. Endemic to dry scrub forest, on rocky limestone hills, or near the sea; often growing on pure dogstooth limestone.

Along the road to Pedernales - Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, Dominican Republic. "Ron Kiefert stands next to a shorter Coccothrinax ekmanii." Photo by Ryan D. Gallivan.

Description

A medium sized solitary fan palm with heavily segmented, shiny bluish green leaves. The trunk is covered in thick, woody fibres which form a striking rhomboid criss-cross pattern. Trees are single-stemmed, between 3 and 15 metres tall with stems 5 to 8 (occasionally 20) centimetres in diameter. The fruit is brownish, 5–6 millimetres in diameter. Monoecious, unarmed.

Culture

Full sun, excellent drainage, and tropical temperatures. Drought and salt tolerant. Cold Hardiness Zone: 10b

Comments and Curiosities

Etymology: The specific epithet (species name) honors the early 20th century Swedish botanist, Erik Ekman, who worked extensively in the Caribbean area.

A very slow growing species.