Paurotis Palm

Acoelorrhaphe

A genus of a single species of Palm that is closely related to the Saw Palmetto ( Serenoa ) but taller.

Acoelorrhaphe wrightii ( Paurotis Palm )
Formerly called Paurotis wrightii. A moderate growing, dense, clumping, medium-sized Palm, reaching a maximum size of 50 x 40 ( rarely over 20 x 20 ) feet with trunk diameters of 6 inches, that is native to far southern Florida, the Caribbean and Central America. Native to the Florida Everglades; this ornamental Palm will grow much further north.
The graceful, fan-shaped fronds, up to 2 x 3.3 feet in size, are blue-green.
The very small,creamy-white flowers are borne on branched panicles, up to 3 feet in length.
They are followed by abundant, 0.2 inch fruits, that are orangish-brown later ripening to black.
The trunk is covered in fibers.
Hardy zones 9 to 12 ( tolerating 18 F - reports of 3 F with near total defoliation )
in full sun thriving on consistently moist, well drained to swampy soils. The Paurotis Palm requires hot humid summers. In the wild it is often found in both brackish and freshwater swamps. It is easy to grow in subtropical and tropical regions around the world. The use of high nitrogen fertilizers during the active growth season will increase the growth rate.
Insects and disease rarely attack the Paurotis Palm.
Propagation is easily achieved by sowing the fresh seed.

* photos taken on Jan 3 2010 @ Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Florida


* historic archive photos