The Cuban Petticoat palm is one of the most unusual and spectacular Florida palm Trees. Usually this impressive specimen is grown by palm lovers and collectors. The striking and exotic palm is considered a rare plant. You can see it in botanic or private gardens. The Cuban Petticoat palm makes a stunning accent specimen in any tropical landscape. 

Additional Information:

Scientific name: Copernicia Macroglossa

Family: Arecaceae

Genus: Copernicia

Name: The genus is named after the astronomer Copernicus. It is called the Petticoat palm because it retains the persistant petticoat or skirt of dead leaves.

Origin: It is endemic to Cuba.

Growth rate: It is a very slow growing plant.

Trunk: At an early age the trunk is hidden in the closed green fronds. As it ages, the trunk grows up to 15-30 feet in height and 8 inch in diameter.

Leaves: The leaves are erect, stiff, orbicular, fan-shaped, green. They have almost no petioles and grow from the top of the trunk. Outer leaflets are covered with sharp thick long teeth. Each plant gets about 10-12 leaves. Old leaves persist on the trunk and form a petticoat unless removed.

Indoor/outdoor Use: Outdoor

Maintenance: Low

Light exposure: It has high light requirements. Copernicia macroglossa needs full sun.

Water requirements: Regular watering. Soil should be moist.

Drought toleration: Highly drought tolerant.

Cold toleration: It has low cold tolerance. A cold spell can damage the  palm.

Flowers: Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Inflorescence  occurs in almost vertical strands.

Fruits: The fruits  are oval, 1 inch in diameter,  black in color.

Germination: It is propagated from seed. Germination occurs in 2 months.

Return to Florida Palm Trees main page.