Syagrus romanzoffiana

Common names

Cocos Palm, Queen Palm, Pindo (local name).

Curiosities

Syagrus is the name of a kind of palm given by Pliny. The species name is dedicated to a Russian noble. Easily hybridises with Jubaea chilensis, Butia capitata and other Syagrus, giving very resistant hybrids. Fruits are edible but are usually used as animal food (pigs and chickens). The trunks are used to make fences.

Origin

Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil.

Habitat

Grows in many different habitats, both in moist and seasonally dry forests, and in marshy areas.

Morphology

A single trunk up to 10-15 m tall. Seven to 15 arched leaves, with around 150 to 250 pinnae in several planes giving a plumose appearance. Inflorescences 1.5 m long. Fruits are ovoid, yellow to orange in colour, with a strong smell. The dead fronds remain attached to the trunk, and the fruits attract all kind of animals.

Climate

Can grow in a broad range of climates. Adapts to temperate climates. Frost resistant. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –5.6ºC (22ºF, USDA Zone 9a).

Germination

Seed germination percentage is very low, even when fresh. Higher percentages (around 80%) can be obtained by mixing spores of Globus mosseae and Globus interradices.

Growing

Resistant to dry and salty winds. Not really appropriate as indoor plant. Very used in streets and gardens all around the world. Shows a good response to nitrogen fertilizers.