Coccothrinax crinita

old man palm

Named for the long, full “beard” that runs the length of its trunk, the old man palm is critically endangered in its native Cuban habitat, with no more than about 130 individuals remaining there. The species name “crinita” is aptly applied here, meaning “hairy” in Latin.

Perhaps the equally hirsute Hemingway acquired inspiration for his trademark beard from this palm during his time in Cuba.

Cuban natives give the palm a beard cut every once in a while to use the fibers for pillow and mattress stuffing. Trunks of the old man palm are quite durable (the palm is very slow growing) so they have been used as structural supports in local homes. The leaves have been used as bowls, and fruits are harvested to feed livestock. Its extensive use by locals for these purposes has played a part in this palm’s decline, along with invasive species and habitat destruction caused by cattle grazing.

The old man palm prefers sunny conditions and can tolerate salty air quite well. It is also hardy enough to survive a light freeze.