Copernicia macroglossa

Cuban petticoat palm

The Cuban petticoat palm is one of the most striking palms on our property, with a form unlike any of the others. The upright fronds that emerge from the top of the palm in a spiral arrangement with almost no petioles give the palm a tight form and its unique tidy appearance. The “petticoat” part of the name comes from the fact that the old leaves will hang on to the palm and hug the trunk, which very slowly grows up to 30 ft. tall, forming what looks like a petticoat around the palm. The inflorescences, which extend like thick ropes a few feet out from the palm, serve to enhance its fascinating appearance.

Even though the petticoat formed by the dead fronds of this palm provide a nice look, you might consider removing them if they seem to be providing a home for insects and other critters in your area. This doesn’t necessarily destroy the look of the palm; it’s just now slimmed down and dressed for summer.

The genus of this palm is named for the astronomer Copernicus, who proposed the first comprehensive heliocentric cosmology. The species name translates from Greek as “large tongue,” which probably refers to the large fronds as they fold over towards the ground.

This palm thrives in full sun, heat, and humidity. While most palms have shallow root systems, Copernicia have deep ones, so these plants appreciate a bit of room to grow downward.