| Copernicia macroglossa | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Tribe: | Trachycarpeae |
| Genus: | Copernicia |
| Species: | C. macroglossa |
| Binomial name | |
| Copernicia macroglossa | |
Copernicia macroglossa (also known as the Petticoat palm, Jata palm, and Jata de Guanabacoa), is a species of palm endemic to western and central Cuba. [1]
It is endemic to Cuba and thrives on the serpentine soil of most of the Cuban provinces, such as La Habana, Las Villas, and Pinar del Río. [2]
However, this tree has been successfully cultivated within some parts of Central America and some Caribbean islands. [3]
Copernicia macroglossa obtained its scientific name from the famous astronomer, Copernicus who proposed the sun was the center of the universe centuries ago. The plant itself has become the center of attention for many gardeners 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. [5]
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 "petticoat"). The function of the petticoat is unknown. [5]
Copernicia macroglossa is a monoecious palm, with hermaphroditic flowers. The white flowers are followed by 1-inch black fruits that are usually oval in shape. [2]
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. [5]
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. [5]
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 a 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 appealing appearance and slow growth, a mature specimen has a great commercial value. One 20–30 ft palm in good condition can cost around $200-$300. [8]
Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron is a species of flowering plant native to tropical forests of southern Mexico, south to Panama. It has been introduced to many tropical areas, and has become a mildly invasive species in Hawaii, Seychelles, Ascension Island and the Society Islands. It is very widely grown in temperate zones as a houseplant.
Ficus microcarpa, also known as Chinese banyan, Malayan banyan, Indian laurel, curtain fig, or gajumaru (ガジュマル), is a tree in the fig family Moraceae. It is native in a range from China through tropical Asia and the Caroline Islands to Australia. It is widely planted as a shade tree and frequently misidentified as F. retusa or as F. nitida.
Ficus religiosa or sacred fig is a species of fig native to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina that belongs to Moraceae, the fig or mulberry family. It is also known as the bodhi tree, pimple tree, peepul tree, peepal tree, pipala tree, ashvattha tree, or Asathu (ඇසතු) in Sinhala. The sacred fig is considered to have a religious significance in three major religions that originated on the Indian subcontinent, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Hindu and Jain ascetics consider the species to be sacred and often meditate under it. A tree of these species under which Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. The sacred fig is the state tree of the Indian states of Odisha, Bihar and Haryana.
Ravenala is a genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants. Classically, the genus was considered to include a single species, Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as the traveller's tree, traveller's palm or East-West palm, from Madagascar. It is not a true palm but a member of the family Strelitziaceae. The genus is closely related to the southern African genus Strelitzia and the South American genus Phenakospermum. Some older classifications include these genera in the banana family (Musaceae). Although it is usually considered to be a single species, four different forms have been distinguished. Five other species were described in 2021, all from Madagascar: Ravenala agatheae Haev. & Razanats., R. blancii Haev., V.Jeannoda & A.Hladik, R. grandis Haev., Razanats, A.Hladik & P.Blanc, R. hladikorum Haev., Razanats., V. Jeannoda & P.Blanc, R. madagascariensis Sonn., et R. menahirana Haev. & Razanats.
Copernicia is a genus of palms native to South America and the Greater Antilles. Of the known species and nothospecies (hybrids), 22 of the 27 are endemic to Cuba. They are fan palms, with the leaves with a bare petiole terminating in a rounded fan of numerous leaflets. The species are small to medium-sized trees growing to 5–30 m tall, typically occurring close to streams and rivers in savanna habitats. The genus is named after the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. In some of the species, the leaves are coated with a thin layer of wax, known as carnauba wax.
Coccothrinax argentata, commonly called the Florida silver palm, is a species of palm tree. It is native to south Florida, southeast Mexico, Colombia and to the West Indies, where it is found in the Bahamas, the southwest Caribbean and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Its natural habitat is rocky, calcareous soil in coastal scrubland and hammock communities.
Zombia antillarum, commonly known as the zombie palm, is a species of palm tree and the only member of the genus Zombia. It is endemic to the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles. Usually found in dry, hilly areas of northern and southern Haiti and the northwest of the Dominican Republic, Z. antillarum is a relatively short fan palm with clustered stems and a very distinctive appearance caused by its persistent spiny leaf sheaths. Threatened by habitat destruction in Haiti, Z. antillarum is a popular ornamental species due to its distinctive appearance, low maintenance requirements and salt tolerance.
Saribus rotundifolius, also known as the footstool palm, is a common fan palm found in Southeast Asia. It is a member of the genus Saribus.
Portlandia grandiflora is a species of plant in the family Rubiaceae. Commonly known as the bell flower, this plant is considered native to Jamaica but is also native to Cuba. It is mainly found in limestone montane forests although some occur on karst areas near Jamaica's coast. It mostly grows on alkaline soils as can be observed by the habitats they are found in. In Jamaica, they flower most frequently in May, June, and August, and fruit during the months of January and December.
Coccothrinax crinita is a palm which is endemic to Cuba. Like other members of the genus Coccothrinax, C. barbadensis is a fan palm.
Copernicia hospita is a palm which is endemic to Cuba.
Clinosperma bractealis is a species of palm tree in the palm family
The Cuban dry forests are a tropical dry forest ecoregion that occupies 65,800 km2 (25,400 sq mi) on Cuba and Isla de la Juventud. The ecoregion receives 1,000–2,000 mm (39–79 in) of rainfall annually. Cuban dry forests can be differentiated into evergreen forests, semi-deciduous forests, mogotes, and sclerophyllous low forests.
Rhamnus ilicifolia is a species of flowering plant in the buckthorn family known by the common name hollyleaf redberry. It is native to western North America, where it is a common plant growing in many types of habitat, including chaparral and wooded areas, from Oregon through California, to Baja California and Arizona.
Allagoptera arenaria, popularly known as seashore palm, is a fruit tree native to the Atlantic Coast of Brazil. It grows in coastal strand, just above the high tide mark, and is widely cultivated as an ornamental throughout South America.
Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides, known commonly as the Mexican flamevine, is a climber in the family Asteraceae, native to Mexico, Central America and the West Indies.
Thrinax radiata, also known as the Florida thatch palm, is a medium to slow growing palm in the family Arecaceae. It is native to many Caribbean islands, Mexico, Central America, and far southern Florida. Its natural habitat is sandy, calcareous soil in coastal areas.
Auerodendron northropianum is a plant species of the family Rhamnaceae that is native to the Caribbean and is found in the Bahamas. It is also found in Cuba, usually in coastal forests. Its habit is a shrub and it has simple leaves. The leaflets are pinnate and alternate of each other. The plant is also perennial meaning it persists from year to year the year even in unfavorable conditions. Since it is found in the forests along the coast insects and small animals help to pollinate and disperse the seeds of the plant. The plant is not widely known or abundant in its numbers so it is not widely cultivated or used medicinally.
Hemithrinax compacta is a species of palm that is endemic to Cuba.