Petticoat palm

Description

Copernicia macroglossa is a palm endemic to western and central Cuba. Copernicia macroglossa (also known as the Petticoat palm, Jata palm, and Jata de Guanabacoa) obtained its scientific name from the famous astronomer, Copernicus who proposed the sun was the center of the universe centuries ago. Copernicus proposal perfectly fits the plant since the plant itself has become the center of attention for many gardener around the globe for its magnificent "petticoat" and its majestic structure. The plant has been known to grow on some impoverished soils that contain the necessary nutrients, natural populations are found within the unique serpentine soils of Cuba. This palm is extremely drought tolerant and grows best with complete sunlight, with blazing heat and humid conditions. It has a single trunk that can grow to be 8 inches in diameter and over 30 feet high. This palm has upright fan-shaped leaves that grow in a spiral formation along the top of the trunk. From the bottom upper stem, a beard like structure made out of dry fan shaped leaves extend to cover approximately half the trunk which is the famous petticoat, an extremely attractive feature to anyone. However, the function of the petticoat is unknown. Copernicia macroglossa is a monoecious palm, with hermaphroditic flowers. The white flowers are followed by 1-inch black fruits that are usually oval in shape.