The Genus Coccothrinax in Cultivation - International Palm Society

PALMS Migliaccio & Reyes: Coccothrinax Vol. 49(2) 2005 

The Genus 

Coccothrinax 

in Cultivation 

CHRIS MIGLIACCIO 

Dept. of Natural Sciences, 

Health & Wellness, 

Miami-Dade College, 

300 NE 2nd Avenue, 

Miami, Florida, 33132 

USA 

chris.migliaccio@mdc.edu 

AND 

ARMANDO REYES 

3641 SW 21st Street, 

Miami, Florida, 33145 

USA 

kronos5@msn.com 

1. A portion 

of the 

extensive 

collection of 


at Fairchild 

Tropical 

Botanic 

Garden. 

For many years, only a handful of Coccothrinax species have ever been cultivated 

outside of the Caribbean basin. In the last five years, over two dozen additional 

species have become available to collectors. Although little is known about the 

needs of these species in cultivation, some of these palms are very beautiful and 

deserve wider use. 

PALMS 49(2): 57–71 

57


Palms of the genus Coccothrinax are species 

from coastal scrub and open forest from the 

Caribbean islands and bordering lands (Uhl & 

Dransfield 1987). While most forest species are 

found in the mid-canopy, a few are emergent 

palms. All are solitary, with the exception of 

C. pseudorigida and C. fagildei, which cluster. 

Currently, there are 50 accepted species in the 

genus. Considerable taxonomic confusion 

exists because many pockets of endemism 

occur in eastern Cuba, perhaps due to the rich 

assemblages of soil types and microclimates, 

and most species seem to possess limited 

distribution ranges, making finding the palms, 

much less collecting ripe seeds, difficult. 

When Henderson, Galeano and Bernal 

published the Field Guide to the Palms of the 

Americas in 1995, they reduced the number of 

species to 14 and indicated that the genus was 

in dire need of revision. However, Moya and 

Leiva’s checklist (2000) enumerated 38 species 

for Cuba alone. When the second largest 

center of distribution, Hispaniola, is 

considered, the number of accepted species 

2. Coccothrinax 

crinita, a 

species known 

for its long 

fibers covering 

the trunk. 

58


may be even greater. It is easy to see that this 

genus does indeed need a great deal of work 

to sort out the species. Complicating matters 

further is the fact that anecdotal evidence 

strongly suggests that a significant amount of 

hybridization has occurred among the species 

cultivated in South Florida, a situation making 

taxonomic work based upon these individuals 

challenging, to say the least. A complete 

taxonomic review of Coccothrinax would clarify 

the taxonomy of existing species and would be 

particularly welcome in the light of the current 

collecting activity in Cuba and the Dominican 

Republic that may very well result in the 

discovery of new species. 

This article focuses on the cultivation of some 

of the attractive, but little known, taxa that 

have recently come into South Florida. Because 

of the confusion regarding names, the 

taxonomy of the genus cannot be ignored 

completely. This paper thus relies more closely 

on the work of Cuban botanists most familiar 

with the species in the wild than on other 

published accounts. 

For many years, only a handful of Coccothrinax 

species have ever been cultivated. In this paper, 

we define “cultivation” to mean species found 

in the landscape trade or in private collections 

(botanic gardens and individual collectors). 


miraguama is 

appreciated for its 

attractive, persistent 

leaf base fibers. 

59


4. The trunk of 


spissa is 

swollen. 

Interestingly, a few species are widely grown, 

while the many more species are practically 

unknown outside their countries of origin. 

Some of these species deserve wider use 

because of their beauty. 

Presently, only about eight taxa are known to 

be grown for the commercial landscape 

market; a handful are being tried in the Canary 

Islands, but another 30 have gradually begun 

to be grown in South Florida. Proximity to 

wild seed sources, however irregular and 

limited in quantity, and similar climate and 

soil type, make South Florida well suited for 

cultivating and studying the genus. Their slow 

growth rate makes them challenging 

candidates for long term study, and for the 

same reason, few of the newly available species 

are likely to be embraced by the landscape 

trade. Several species that have moderately fast 

growth rates hold some promise. Warm and 

dry regions of Australia and Hawaii could also 

be well suited for growing this genus, but low 

soil pH in both locations limits Coccothrinax 

cultivation. Few species grow well in either 

location. Likewise, southern California does 

not seem to be a good habitat for most species 

because of its long and cool winters. 

For many years, Coccothrinax argentata, C. 

barbadensis, C. crinita (Fig. 2), C. miraguama 

(Fig. 3) and C. spissa (Fig. 3) were the only 

60


5. A suspected hybrid between 

Coccothrinax and Zombia. 

species widely found in cultivation, although 

a handful of names (C. argentea, C. martii, C. 

alta) were indiscriminately applied to plants 

available at local palm sales. Occasionally 

plants identified as C. boschiana, C. clarensis, 

C. cupularis, C. gracilis, C. fragrans, C. inaguensis, 

C. jamaicensis, C. readii and C. yuruguana have 

been sold at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 

or South Florida Palm Society sales. However, 

very few other species have appeared in 

cultivation until the past three years when 

collectors from around the Caribbean basin 

began palm prospecting in Cuba and the 

Dominican Republic. As a result, seeds and 

seedlings of numerous taxa have begun to 

appear at local palm sales and offered on the 

Internet by commercial seed and plant 

vendors. However, because the taxonomy is 

in disarray and there are no mature specimens 

of these new “immigrants” in South Florida, 

it is important to acknowledge that 

identification of these newly offered species is 

tentative at best. In a few cases, quantities of 

“fresh seeds” have been offered from locations 

where the palms simply do not exist and/or 

many months after the plants finished their 

annual fruiting. 

Collections of seeds from palms in the type 

localities and extensive photo collections have 

61


Table 1. Species of Coccothrinax in cultivation. 

Coccothrinax species Native to Characteristics 

argentata Pine rocklands of South Florida including Florida Lax leaves dark green above and silver below; high 

Keys; coastal hammocks of southern Florida Keys; drought and salt tolerance; slow growing. 

Bahamas; Yucatan. 

barbadensis Coastal scrub from Lesser Antilles south to Large green leaves, may be slightly silver below; 

Trinidad and Margarita Island, Venezuela. fastest growing of genus (seed to 6 m [20 ft.] in ten 

years). 

borhidiana Scrub forest on karst near coast, Matanzas, Cuba. Exceptionally stiff leaves with short petioles; leaves 

retained for years – superficially resembling a 

miniature Copernicia macroglossa; erect inflorescences; 

South Florida specimens are finally producing large 

purple fruit after about 18 years of cultivation from 

seed; salt and drought tolerant. 

crinita Low serpentine hill soils in central and western Large green leaves; long arching inflorescences above 

Cuba; critically endangered. the crown with large burgundy fruit; persistent leaf 

sheaths form thick layer of fibers on trunk; critically 

endangered in the wild (


6. Community pot 

of seedlings of 

Coccothinrax 

argentata making 

vigorous growth. 

been made to help identify the plants using the 

older Coccothrinax literature. Buyers should 

realize that all identifications should be 

considered tentative until more extensive field 

work is done and the genus is formally revised. 

In the meantime, growers should keep accurate 

records of seed sources and their own 

cultivation experiences to contribute to a 

growing body of information on this genus of 

attractive palms. 

In the last few years, small quantities of seeds 

and nursery-grown seedlings labeled as C. 

alexandri, C. argentea, C. camagueyana, C. 

fragrans, C. ekmanii, C. garciana, C. gundlachii, 

C. hiorami, C. macroglossa, C. moaensis, C. 

montana, C. munizii, C. borhidana, C. nipensis, 

C. pauciramosa, C. pseudorigida, C. salvatoris 

and C. saxicola, have become available to 

growers. Because these species are “new to the 

trade” little is known about their cultural 

requirements. This paper, therefore, presents 

what is known at this time and identifies what 

may be some horticulturally valuable species 

worthy of greater use in the subtropical and 

tropical landscapes. 

Species in Cultivation 

Because Florida is close to the center of 

distribution of the genus and has the wet/dry 

season and alkaline soil preferred by most 

members of the genus, more Coccothrinax (ca. 

40 taxa) are cultivated here than anywhere 

else. The majority of species are recent arrivals, 

and few fruiting specimens exist. Anecdotal 

evidence suggests that what have been 

recognized as Coccothrinax species (particularly 

those in the C. argentata – C. readii – C. 

inaguensis – C. litoralis and C. barbadensis – C. 

alta – C. readii – C. proctorii – C. jamaicensis 

groups outside of Cuba) can form fertile 

hybrids. This evidence suggests that each 

63


group may be one species that displays a wide 

range of characteristics across its range rather 

than a guild of multiple species. Additionally, 

an intergeneric and sterile Coccothrinax × 

Zombia hybrid has flourished at Fairchild 

Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami for decades 

(Fig 5). Obviously the application of DNA 

analysis to all Coccothrinax could help clarify 

the picture. 

Table 1 presents the species that have been 

grown for the longest time in South Florida, 

as well as in Hawaii, Australia, the Canary 

Islands and elsewhere. Palms known as C. alta 

and C. argentea are also in cultivation, but all 

the mature plants the authors have seen have 

horticultural origins and resemble either C. 

argentata or C. barbadensis, or share a mixture 

of characteristics that make identification 

challenging. 

Cultivating Coccothrinax 

Coccothrinax are best grown from freshly 

collected ripe seeds. After removing the pulp, 

soak the seeds 1–3 days and discard any 

“floaters.” Dried seeds may be soaked for over 

a week to rehydrate them. Sow the seeds 

shallowly in a 10–15 cm deep community pot 

of well drained medium kept in a warm, sunny 

space. Fresh seeds germinate best, but seeds 

can take up to a year to germinate. Be patient 

and do not throw the seeds out until they rot. 

If the soil mix breaks down, remove the 

ungerminated seeds, replace the mix and 

resow. 

7. The root 

mass of 


hiorami is 

large and 

benefits from 

a large, 

roomy pot. 

64



boschiana is 

slow-growing 

but attractive, 

even as a 

young plant. 

Community pots may be divided when 

seedlings are at the two-leaf stage. Seedlings 

should be placed in pots deep enough to 

accommodate the long roots (Fig. 6) 

Coccothrinax germinates remotely, so be sure to 

plant the seedling so the roots are below the 

soil and the bud of the seedling is above 

ground. Once again, a well-drained medium is 

best and may be amended with crushed 

limestone rock or dolomite for drainage and 

to maintain an alkaline root zone. 

Coccothrinax benefits from over-potting – that 

is, planting in larger pots than most palms, 

because of their proportionately greater root 

mass (Fig. 7). Growth rates can be increased by 

moving seedlings and juvenile plants into pots 

one size greater than the usual sequence. Keep 

potted Coccothrinax off the ground on benches 

to ensure good air circulation around the 

plants. Most species (except C. crinita, C. 

montana and C. yunquensis) will tolerate full 

sun even as seedlings. Growers in subtropical 

65


9. Coccothrinax borhidiana is a handsome palm for gardens. 

regions will also need to provide cold 

protection for these small potted palms, 

especially from dry winds and cold rain that 

encourage fatal fungal infections. Regular 

applications of a balanced time release palm 

fertilizer and micronutrient sprays will also 

promote growth and strengthen plants against 

conditions of low humidity and cool winter 

temperature. Patience is also a requirement for 

growing palms in this genus as most are slowgrowing, 

particularly for the first 3–5 years. 

Because most species are found in sunny, 

seasonally dry climates and in well drained 

alkaline soils, similar landscape conditions will 

promote the best growth when the palms are 

ready to be planted. Dig a large hole to 

accommodate future root growth and then 

water and mulch the newly planted palms to 

mimic their habitat. Planting at the beginning 

of the rainy season will help young plants get 

established. Keep mulch away from the trunk 

to avoid fungal infection and fertilize lightly 

66


10. Coccothrinax camagueyana has silvery leaves with bluish cast. 

for the first six months with a palm fertilizer 

with N-P-K ratio of 2-1-3 and micronutrients. 

Liquid fertilizers may be used for plants in the 

ground or in pots but are unlikely to have 

much effect on slow-growing palms such as 

these. 

Many of the very attractive Cuban species are 

found in serpentine soils rich in nickel and/or 

other heavy metals such as iron, chromium, 

cobalt and manganese. These soils also feature 

high magnesium/calcium ratios with 

correspondingly low levels of calcium, 

potassium and phosphorus. In fact, calcium 

levels in serpentine soils are virtually zero. 

Serpentine soils can be either acidic or alkaline 

with older serpentine areas tending to be more 

acidic and newer ones slightly more alkaline. 

For the serpentine species (C. sp. “azul”, C. 

camagueyana, C. clarensis, C. garciana, C. 

moaensis, C. pseudorigida and C. yuruguana) 

long-term container culture may be the only 

viable option unless local soils are serpentine 

67


as well. Alternatively, using an iron and 

magnesium amendment once a month seems 

beneficial. 

Species worthy of wider cultivation 

The following species are worthy of wider 

cultivation because of the characteristics listed 

and their prospective adaptability to 

subtropical or tropical conditions on well 

drained alkaline soils. 

C. alexandri – 13–20 m, robust, Cuban, coastal 

palm with large crown of stiff leaves with silver 

undersides. 

C. boschiana (Fig. 8) – slender, Dominican 

Republic, coastal species with leaves golden 

green above and silver below; heavy, coarse 

fiber; slow-growing. 

C. brevicrinis – Cuban palm with short trunk, 

short, coarse fibers and dense crown 

intermediate in “hairiness” between C. 

borhidiana (Fig. 9) and C. crinita (Fig. 2); from 

a different part of Cuba with different soil (C. 

crinita comes from serpentine area, C. 

brevicrinis from alkaline calcareous soils. 

C. camagueyana (Fig. 10) – drought tolerant, 

serpentine species good for pot culture, 

moderate growth rate, stiff leaves with silverblue 

cast on upper surface; similar to plants 

known as C. “azul” (Fig. 11). 

C. fragrans – Dominican Republic and Cuban 

species with stout trunk; close affinity to C. 

spissa. 

C. garciana – serpentine species from Cuba with 

spiny red leaf fibers to 2 cm wide, rigid round 

leaves on short petioles; exceptionally slow 

growth rate and soil requirements may limit 

this to long-term pot culture. 

C. gundlachii – robust, Cuban species with 

large, stiff leaves, erect inflorescence and heavy, 

coarse fiber. 

C. litoralis – coastal Cuban species found in 

sandy, wet, littoral scrub; high salt tolerance 

and moderate growth rate. 

C. macroglossa (Fig. 12) – robust, Cuban palm 

with large black fruit, stiff leaves that are silver 

underneath, coarse fibers. 

C. montana – an understory palm from the 

moist mountains of the central Dominican 

Republic; dark green leaves deeply divided; 

fast-growing; white fruit. 

11. The species known to growers as Coccothrinax “azul” is one of the bluest species. 

68


12. Coccothrinax macroglossa has stiff leaves that are silvery underneath. 

C. munizii (Fig. 13) – a thin-stemmed, Cuban 

species with small, wedge-shaped leaves; tiny 

fruit; a good planting companion with cactus. 

C. pauciramosa – medium-sized, coastal, Cuban 

species with erect inflorescence and heavy, 

coarse fiber; easy to cultivate. 

C. salvatoris – Cuban brackish forest species 

with a compact crown, wide leaf segments, 

heavy fiber and starburst-like leaves. 

Many questions remain 

A handful of other species (C. clarensis, C. 

cupularis (Fig. 14), C. ekmanii, C. 

guantanamensis, C. hiorami, C. inaguensis, C. 

jamaicensis, C. pseudorigida, C. readii, C. saxicola, 

C. yunquensis, and C. yuraguana) are so poorly 

represented in cultivation that identification 

of some of the plants may be questionable, 

particularly if the plants were grown from 

seeds collected in botanic gardens. 

Furthermore, the following taxa remain poorly 

known altogether or unknown in cultivation 

outside their country of origin (Cuba, unless 

otherwise noted): C. acunana, C. baracoensis, C. 

bermudezii, C. concolor (Haiti, extinct?), C. 

elegans, C. fagildei (clustering with up to 100 

heads!), C. leonis, C. microphylla, C. moaensis, 

C. muricata, C. nipensis, C. orientalis, C. pumila, 

C. rigida, C. savannarum, C. trinitensis, and C. 

victorini) that their horticultural potential 

cannot be evaluated at this time. 

A further comment 

As we worked on this article, we realized that 

cultivating Coccothrinax serves as a metaphor 

of life itself and offers many meaningful 

lessons – patience is an important virtue, 

actions often take a long time to bear fruit and 

no matter how much we would like to see 

things happen, Nature moves according to its 

own timetable. Coccothrinax seedlings need the 

right nutrients, just the right amount of water 

and sunlight and a healthy environment. They 

can tolerate a fair amount of pests, including 

overprotective “parents.” Whenever our 

conversation turns to which species just 

produced its first divided leaf after years of 

growth, we are reminded of these lessons. 

69


13. Coccothrinax munizii is a 

slender palm with stiff 

leaves from the driest part 

of southeastern Cuba. 

Summary 

As more species of Coccothrinax are cultivated, 

we hope that commercial growers and 

collectors will share their experiences in palm 

forums and in the literature so that these 

attractive palms will find greater use in 

landscapes. We hope to see more in situ and 

ex situ conservation efforts, particularly for the 

Cuban species with limited distributions, in 

order to buffer the effects of human activity, 

particularly coastal tourism, in Cuba and the 

Dominican Republic. Additionally, consistent 

practice of sustainable collection techniques 

and appropriate horticultural methods can also 

ensure the survival of Coccothrinax in the wild 

and in cultivation. These practices include 

collecting a few seeds from many individuals 

rather than all the seeds of a few specimens, 

harvesting only ripe seeds and processing them 

promptly, matching the cultural conditions to 

the plant’s own habitat as closely as possible, 

as well as carefully monitoring these palms 

from sowing to planting in the landscape. It 

is particularly important to obtain as much 

knowledge as possible of the ecology of these 

palms in the wild, as this information will help 

us determine each species’ suitability for 

cultivation and techniques of conservation. 

Acknowledgments 

The authors thank Dr. Scott Zona, Palm 

Biologist at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 

70



cupularis is still 

uncommon outside 

botanical gardens. This 

specimen grows at 

Fairchild Tropical 

Botanic Garden, Miami, 

Florida. 

and Paul Craft, President of IPS for their 

ongoing encouragement of this project, 

assistance with translations of original 

descriptions and their editorial suggestions. 

Many collectors and horticulturalists kindly 

shared their experiences; notable among them 

were Mike Harris, Loxahatchee, Florida, USA; 

Dale Holton, Lake Worth, Florida, USA; Marcel 

Moreno, Miami, Florida, USA; Ken Neugent 

and Mike Davenport, Fairchild Tropical 

Botanic Garden, Miami, Florida, USA; Carlo 

Morici, Tenerife, Canary Islands; and the late 

Howard Waddell, Miami, Florida USA. All 

photos were taken by Chris Migliaccio unless 

otherwise noted. 

LITERATURE CITED 

MOYA L., C.E. AND A. T. LEIVA S. 2000. Checklist 

of the palms of Cuba, with notes on their 

ecology, distribution and conservation. 

Palms 44: 69–84. 

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The Genus Coccothrinax in Cultivation - International Palm Society

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