Acoelorraphe wrightii

Common names

Paurotis Palm, Silver Saw Palm, Everglades Palm.

Curiosities

Leaves are used for roof thatching, and tender shoots can be eaten. Named after Charles Wright, American botanist of the 19th century.

Origin

Florida (USA), West Indies, Central America (Honduras, Guatemala…).

Habitat

Everglades of Florida, the big marshy extensions at the south continental Florida. Low sandy areas, or areas flooded with fresh or salty water.

Morphology

A clumping palm, with many stems 3 to 8 m high covered with brown fibres. Palmate leaves, bright green above, silvery grey below, with pointed and forked segments. The slender and ramified interfoliar inflorescences bear creamy hermaphrodite flowers. Small, round, orange-coloured fruits.

Climate

Tropical, subtropical, temperate. Plants will survive in Mediterranean climate. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to -5.5ºC (22.2ºF, USDA Zone 9a).

Germination

Seeds germinate quickly and easy.

Growing

Prefers full sunlight (even when young), but tolerates some shade. Moist soil conditions are best; tolerates drought conditions but grows slowly there. Extensively cultivated. Tolerates coast conditions and once established is highly resistant. Can be used as indoor plant when young.