Copernicia gigas

Common names

Giant Wax Palm.

Curiosities

Named ‘gigas’ because of its giant size.

Origin

Cuba, in Camagüey.

Habitat

Forms big groups in forests and can also be seen in mangrove swamps.

Morphology

The biggest Copernicia, up to 15-20 m tall when adult. The trunk is around 50 cm in diameter, a grey, quite massive column with a crown of greyish green leaves, especially their underside. In young plants the dead leaves persist covering the trunk. Inflorescences are arched and around 3 m long. Globular black fruits.

Climate

This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –2.2ºC (28ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

Growing

Nurseries begin now to import seeds, and the palms are being planted in Florida. A good ornamental plant, given its beauty.