Difference between revisions of "Coccothrinax alta"

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Hawaii

Coccothrinax alta
Hawaii
Scientific Classification
Genus: Coccothrinax Species: alta
Synonyms
Coccothrinax eggersiana, Coccothrinax barbadensis.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Costapalmate Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Puerto Rican thatch palm, silver thatch palm, tyre palm.

Habitat and Distribution

Originates in the rainforests of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, in the Caribbean. It is found on limestone substrates in northern Puerto Rico, and on volcanic substrates on the islands off eastern Puerto Rico. It has been recorded from Puerto Rico proper, Vieques and Culebra; Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Guana Island, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands. It is found on lower elevations, but to 350 m above sea level.

Description

Coccothrinax alta is a slow growing palm, with a single bare trunk below, and matted with fibres above. The trunk can grow up to 2–8 m. tall, with some individuals getting up to 11 m. Flowers are light yellow, and fruit are purple-black when ripe. The graceful, drooping, green fan leaves are silver underneath.

Culture

Partial shade to full sun. Hardiness, USDA zones 10b-11.

Curiosities

It is now synonymous with Coccothrinax barbadensis.

External Links

• Forest & Kim Starr
• http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=coba3

References

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

Many Special Thanks to Ed Vaile for his long hours of tireless editing and numerous contributions.