Coccothrinax proctorii

Coccothrinax (koh-koh-TRIH-naks) proctorii (prok-tohr'-ee)
Scientific Classification
Genus: Coccothrinax (koh-koh-TRIH-naks) Species: proctorii (prok-tohr'-ee)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Palmate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Cayman thatch palm, Protcor's silver palm.

Habitat and Distribution

Coccothrinax proctorii is found in coral based soils, in open forest, on the Cayman Islands.

Photo by Dr. Scott Zona

Description

Trunk type: Solitary. A medium sized palm, with a slender trunk, and an open crown, of deeply divided leaves, with nearly perfectly symmetrical divisions, dark green above, and silvery white below.

Culture

Sunny, moist, but well drained position. Salt tolerant, and prefers an alkaline soil. Slow growing. Can be grown on just coral limerock. It likes a position in full sun, or light shade, in a tropical, or subtropical climate, and once established, can endure quite a bit of coastal exposure. Indoors it also makes a neat bonsai, that can even be cultivated just on a piece of coral limerock, practically without soil.

Comments and Curiosities

A very pretty palm with a slender trunk and an open crown of deeply divided leaves with thin segments, dark green above and silvery white below. It is a slow but reliable grower and, with its small overall size, it will find room in any garden. It likes a position in full sun or light shade in a tropical or subtropical climate, and, once established, can endure quite some coastal exposure. Indoors it also makes a neat bonsai that can even be cultivated just on a piece of coral limerock, practically without soil. (RPS.com)