Copernicia macroglossa

Copernicia macroglossa is a palm which is endemic to western and central Cuba.^[1]

Range and Biodiversity

Copernicia macroglossa is an endemic Palm to Cuba and thrives on the serpentine soil of most of the Cuban provinces such as La Habana, Las Villas and Pinar del Rio.[3]

However, this tree has been successfully cultivated within some parts of central America and some Caribbean islands.[5]

Key features

Copernicia macroglossa (also known as Petticoat palm and Jata de Guanabacoa) obtained its scientific name from the famous astronomer Copernicus who proposed the sun was the center of the universe centuries ago. Copernicus proposal perfectly fits the plant since the plant itself has become the center of attention for many gardener around the globe for its magnificent "petticoat" and its majestic structure.[4]

The plant has been known to grow on some impoverished soils that contain the necessary nutrients, natural populations are found within the unique serpentine soils of Cuba.[2]

This palm is extremely drought tolerant and grows best with complete sunlight, with blazing heat and humid conditions. It has a single trunk that can grow to be 8 inches in diameter and over 30 feet high. This palm has upright fan-shaped leaves that grow in a spiral formation along the top of the trunk. From the bottom upper stem, a beard like structure made out of dry fan shaped leaves extend to cover approximately half the trunk which is the famous petticoat, an extremely attractive feature to anyone. However, the function of the petticoat is unknown. [2]

Copernicia macroglossa are dioecious plants which means they develop their female and male flowers on different plants. The white flowers are followed by 1 inch black fruits that are usually oval in shape. [3]

Ecology

Late in the summer, the small fruits ripen to a dark black color that attracts many birds and bats which act as the main dispersers for the palms seeds. [2]

Bats and birds have been observed to visit the bottom of the petticoat before fruit ripening but the scientific reasons for this remains unknown. The plant is crossed pollinated or pollinated by another plant since the palm is dioecious with pollinators such as insects and wind. [2]

Human cultivation and uses

This plant is sought after by many gardeners for the aesthetic properties that are provided by its unique petticoat. Moreover, the brightness of the leaves and spaces between them provide an incredible light reflection which adds to its beauty. [6]

It can grow in open subtropical and tropical spaces with well drained soils where it can receive full sunlight. In subtropical areas prone to frost, the plant may be damaged due to its low tolerance of cold weather. Moreover, the plant grows relatively slowly which could be a challenge for many gardeners and cultivators.[7]

Because of its beauty and slow grow, a mature specimen has a great commercial value: one 20-30 ft palm in good condition cost around $200-$300. [8]

References

2.Francisco-Ortega, J. 2014. Tour of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on 10/18/14 given as part of BOT 3663 Tropical Botany, Florida International University

3."Copernicia Macroglossa." - Palmpedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014. Acevedo, C.J, and D. Lopez. "Finding of Copernicia Macroglossa in Cayo Caguamas , Jardines De La Reyna." Bissea, 2 Sept. 2010. Web.

4."Copernicia Macroglossa." - Useful Tropical Plants. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.

5."Floridata: Copernicia Macroglossa." Floridata: Copernicia Macroglossa. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014

6."Cuban Petticoat Palm Tree – Copernicia Macroglossa." Cuban Petticoat Palm Tree. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.

7.Dr. Giuseppe MAZZAJournalist - Scientific Photographer." Dr. Giuseppe MAZZA Journalist. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.

8."COPERNICIA Macroglossa." Learn2Grow. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.