Coccothrinax boschiana

[aztropic]

Rarely seen palm native to only one native population of about 2000 mature plants in the Dominican Republic. Visited the area in spring 2020,and was able to collect some seeds. Seedlings are now 2 years old,have passed the grass blade stage,and should produce a character leaf next year. Fun grow. Fingers crossed. 

aztropic

Mesa, Arizona

[Tracy]

Is there any indication which other species are most closely related?  Landscape resembles some things in lower Baja California.  Do I recall you discussing the soil these grow in when you posted about this species previously?

[aztropic]

It is a monotypic palm species in its native area. NO other palm species are intermingled. Cereus,and Melocactus cacti,plumeria,and spiny scrub brush are the only other plants in the area. Everything grows on top of a solid limestone outcrop,with little to no 'soil' available. Somehow,these plants manage to survive on the hot and humid conditions,rooted into solid dogtooth limestone. The limestone does have a lava like appearance,with many bubbles and craters that can catch and hold the infrequent rainfalls. Bottom line - very hot - very dry; if you ever go to visit,bring plenty of water...

 

aztropic

Mesa, Arizona

[PalmatierMeg]

Neat little palm. I love the fiber weave. Very, very slow growing. I got a small one a dozen years ago. It’s now little more than knee high with no sign of trunking.

[aztropic]

6 hours ago, PalmatierMeg said:

Neat little palm. I love the fiber weave. Very, very slow growing. I got a small one a dozen years ago. It’s now little more than knee high with no sign of trunking.

 

6 hours ago, Tracy said:

Is there any indication which other species are most closely related?  

Looks like this species is almost identical to Hemithrinax in seed size,germination,speed of growth,and performance in the desert. Here is one of my hemi's, that is about 13 years old from seed to compare.

 

aztropic

Mesa, Arizona

[Frond-friend42]

Super cool video. Those little palms know how to party!

[Cindy Adair]

This topic, video, photos and seedling information is a real treat! 

The views certainly remind me of the dry parts of Southern Puerto Rico too.

Thank you!

[JubaeaMan138]

1 hour ago, Cindy Adair said:

This topic, video, photos and seedling information is a real treat! 

The views certainly remind me of the dry parts of Southern Puerto Rico too.

Thank you!

Great example of how drought tolerant these Caribbean plants are . Although they appreciate there water they also enjoy some dryness. I think these will prove to be great inland California desert palms