James H. Schutte
Family
Arecaceae
Botanical Name
COPERNICIA macroglossa
Plant Common Name
Cuban Petticoat Palm
General Description
Distinguished by its spiky crown of bold, fan-shaped fronds, this unique, small palm comes from savannas of western Cuba.
Thirty to forty large, rich green, nearly stemless fronds crowd atop the solitary trunk, forming a domed, urchin-like crown. The fronds are divided into numerous stiff blade-like segments that radiate like the spokes of an umbrella. They may have waxy gray-green undersides. A picturesque "skirt" of dead leaves fringes the base of the crown, sometimes to the bottom of the trunk. Plants are initially stemless, developing a trunk after a decade or more. The skirt can be removed to reveal the smooth gray trunk, which is faintly ringed with petiole scars. In spring or summer, older specimens bear dense clusters of small creamy flowers in long upright inflorescences. The flowers are perfect, containing both mail and female parts. Small spherical fruits follow the flowers, ripening black in late summer or fall. Birds and bats eat the fruits.
Grow this slow-growing palm in full sun and well-drained, humus-rich soil. It tolerates drought, salt, and several degrees of frost. It grows most vigorously if watered occasionally in summer. Use this striking and unusual palm as an individual specimen or in formal groupings.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Very Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Brown, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Gray Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No