Gastrococos crispa

Common names

Cuban Belly Palm, Corojo Palm.

Curiosities

Fruits are edible.

Origin

Cuba.

Habitat

Open forest on limestone based soils.

Morphology

A single smooth but very spiny trunk, with annular rings and a swelling around the middle. Pinnate leaves, dark green above and light green below, with a spiny petiole. Interfoliar inflorescence. Fruits look like small coconuts and are yellowish or orange.

Climate

Tropical, subtropical.

Germination

The small seeds germinate irregularly, but grow rather fast.

Growing

Grows in limestone soils. Needs a sunny position, plenty of water, and good drainage.