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Cryosophila stauracantha (Heynh.) R.J.Evans
| Family Name: | Arecaceae (Palmae) |
| Synonyms: | Cryosophila argentea, Cryosophila bifurcata |
| Common Name: | Root Spine Palm, Give and Take Palm |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Palm |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico, Guatemala, Belize |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Solitary palm growing up to 10 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Trunk | Thin, narrow trunk is about 10 cm wide. |
| Roots | Mature specimens produce spine-like modified roots at the base of the trunk. They help to deter herbivores. |
| Foliage | Dark green, fan-shaped leaves have a silver-coloured underside. |
| Flowers | The inflorescence is 0.6-0.9 m long and composed of small, creamy white flowers. |
| Fruit | The fruits are white. |
| Habitat | In Guatemala, it is found in lowland rainforest, while in Mexico, it occurs in dry forest. |
| Cultivation | This species grows best in a warm, sheltered location on well-drained, but moist soils. It grows best in semi-shaded conditions, but it can tolerate full sun. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
| Planting Distance | 2 to 3 |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Silver / Grey |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Palm Fronds (Fan / Costapalmate) |
| Foliar Venation | Palmate |
| Foliar Margin | Palmately Lobed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) Remarks | Dark Green |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
References
| References |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31442 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5839 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
