Locality:

Mexico and Central America

Cold Hardiness: 

30, F.

Trunk type:

Single Trunk, prominent black spines

Leaf type:

Spiny, pinnate (feather shape), has a green leaflet with a glaucous (silvery) underside. When juvenile, near simple (undivided) leaves; divide with age.

Suckering/Solitary:

Solitary (single trunk).

Maintenance:

Easy (if ample moisture and filtered light).

Speed of growth:

Medium

Height:

Not a tall palm, typically under 10' feet

Soil requirements:

Lots of moisture and likes rich (high in organics and nutrients) soil.

Sun Requirements:

Filtered light

General Description:

A very striking plant.  When young and juvenile, very spiny with near solid leaves.  As it ages, the leaves turn true pinnate.  A nice palm because unusual appearance, spiny, and not too large.

Other Notes:

Spiny trunk, leaves, petioles.  The most cold hardy of the Astrocaryum.  Unfortunately, nurseries will sell this "species" but are actually selling a different species which is not cold hardy.  This is from poor identification of seed bearing larger plants.  This species, when true, is super difficult to find.

Further Data:

See Spiny palms artilcle.

Palm for sale/Availability:

Click here to view the current price list.