Palms For California

Pronunciation: coe-coe- THRIH-nax mee-ruh-GWAH-muh

Common Name: Miraguama Palm

Coccothrinax miraguama is one of the more variable species in this genus, and several varieties are often proposed. Due to the huge variety, conflicting identifications and confusion we are listing it as just the species without trying to figure what form is what. In general, this palm is one of the more common of the 'stiffer-leaved' forms of Coccothrinax with some plants being among the most ornamental of all the Coccothrinax. Like about all the Coccothrinax, this is a very slow growing plant.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 10-20 fan leaves Height: 15' Trunk: single; 8" thick; usually covered with a fine, tan fibrous mesh and some retained, un-split leaf bases Crownshaft: none Spread: 6'-8' Leaf Description: 3' long' deep green on top and silvery beneath; leaves fairly stiff with little to no drooping of leaflets (some forms have droopy leaf tips, though); tops of leaves have troughs formed by the pleated leaflets near the center of each blade; leaves are relatively leathery for a Coccothrinax Petiole/Leaf bases: 18"-24" long; narrow; unarmed; un-split base Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 1' long; from within leaves but by time fruiting often below leaves; arching and pendulous Fruit: spherical; 1/4"-1/2"; purple-black when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 25F Drought Tolerance: good Dry Heat Tolerance: very good Cool Tolerance: good Wind Tolerance: good Salt Tolerance: moderate Growth Rate: very slow to slow with age Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: partial to full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare