Difference between revisions of "Astrocaryum mexicanum"

Latest revision as of 16:24, 22 September 2016

Pronunciation: ass-truh-CARRY-um mex-ih-CAN-um

Common Name: Choco Palm

Astrocaryum mexicanum appears, so far, to be the only species of this genus that can be grown successfully in California. This palm is particularly ornamental as a juvenile with large, very tropical looking, entire leaves, looking hardly anything like the mature, relatively wispy-leaved plant with a skinny but heavily armed stem. All Astrocaryums are extremely spiny palms, and this one is no exception, so plant far from pathways. In California, this plant needs sun protection but fortunately can grow even in fairly deep shade. As the name suggests, this palm is native to Mexico, but also several other Central American countries as well.

Appearance and Biology

Habit: solitary with a crown of 7-10 pinnate leaves
Height: 15'
Trunk: single; closely ringed with large, black, flattened, stout 1.5" spines arming each ring; 2"-3" diameter; tan
Crownshaft: none
Spread: 8'-12'
Leaf Description: pinnate when mature; nearly bifid when immature- large, nearly entirely unsplit leaves; 4' long; arching; heavily armed with spines along underside of rachis; bright green
Petiole/Leaf bases: 1' long; armed with long spines; un-split bases
Reproduction: monoecious
Inflorescence: 1' long from within crown; very densely branches; creamy pale yellow-white flowers; spathe heavily armed with short, black spines
Fruit: ovoid; 2" long; heavily armed with short spines

Horticultural Characteristics

Minimum Temp: 30F
Drought Tolerance: poor
Dry Heat Tolerance: poor
Wind Tolerance: poor
Salt Tolerance: unknown
Growth Rate: slow
Soil Preference: moist, rich and well draining; acidic
Light Requirement: full shade or filtered sun to partial sun in warm microclimates
Human Hazards: extremely spiny palm all over- be very careful when even walking near this plant
Disease or Horticultural Problems: unknown
Transplants?: unknown
Indoor?: has been grown as indoor palm, but needs high humidity
Availability: rare but often available at palm specialty nurseries

@@ Line 42: / Line 42: @@
 File:Astrocaryum mexicana Ralph.JPG|Orange county, California
 File:Astrocaryum mexicanum SD zoo.jpg|San Diego Zoo, California
+File:Astrocaryum mexicanum tree Fairchild.jpg|Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Miami, Florida
 File:Astrocaryum mexicanum.JPG|juvenile plant, Hawaii, Lundkvist estate
 File:Astrocaryum mexicanums.JPG|Hawaii, Lundkvist estate
+File:Astrocaryum mexicanum spathes Fairchild.jpg|Fairchild palm flash shot
 File:Astrocaryum mexicanum seedling Witt.jpg|Orlando, Florida
 File:Astrocaryum mexicanum seedling2 Fairchild.jpg|Florida, Fairchild Tropical garden, Miami

Difference between revisions of "Astrocaryum mexicanum"

Geoff Stein - Author & Editor

Latest revision as of 16:24, 22 September 2016