Trithrinax acanthocoma = Trithrinax brasiliensis ???

Common names

Spiny Fibre Palm, Buriti Palm, Brazilian Needle Palm, Saho Palm.

Curiosities

Leaf segments are used to make hats. Trithrinax means trident, because of the triple-divided leaves.

Origin

Paraguay, Argentina and South of Brazil.

Habitat

Grows in very dry areas on calcareous soils.

Morphology

A solitary palm that can reach 4 m. Can be recognized by the brown fibrous sheath with long, sharp spines covering the trunk, which persists after the fronds have fallen. The fan-shaped leaves are around 1 m long and greenish-grey in colour. Creamy-white flowers pending to the lower leaves (around 80 cm). The first flower appears in the first years. Fruits are usually yellowish-white, greenish-yellow, or creamy, globular, and around 18 mm in diameter.

Climate

Cold resistant, down to –6 ºC. Appropriate in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climate. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –7.7ºC (18.1ºF, USDA Zone 8b).

Germination

Seed germination is erratic and usually takes 3 to 8 months.

Growing

Cold and drought tolerant. Thrives in full sun and in a rich, not too moist soil. Not very common in cultivation.