| Coccothrinax torrida | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Coccothrinax |
| Species: | C. torrida |
| Binomial name | |
| Coccothrinax torrida Carlo Morici & Raúl Verdecia Pérez |
|
Coccothrinax torrida is a palm endemic to southeastern Cuba.[1] It is known from a single isolated hill on the coast of the Guantánamo Province. The climate of the area is described as semi-desert with 9 or 10 dry months.[1] Like other members of the genus, C. torrida is a fan palm. Trees are single-stemmed, between 2 and 8 metres tall with stems 2.5 to 3.9 (occasionally up to 4.5) centimetres in diameter. The fruit is creamy white, 4.8–6.3 millimetres in diameter.[1]
The species was first described in 2006 from material collected in 2003.[1] It is related to Coccothrinax pauciramosa, and is characterized by the following features: narrow semiorbicular flat leaves that are covered on the adaxial surface by white wax; a small irregular palman; long and erect inflorescences; and small, white, smooth fruits. Coccothrinax torrida and Coccothrinax montana are the only described species with white fruits in the genus Coccothrinax. [1] Since it is known from a single population of about 5000 individuals, the species is considered Vulnerable.[1]