Palms   Cryosophila stauracantha

Common Names:
Root spine Palm
Give and Take Palm

Conservation Status:
Unknown

Distribution & Habitat:
South-east Mexico thru to Central America.

Description:
An attractive, medium sized palmate palm to about 10m tall, with a slim trunk up to 10cm across, which covered with spine-like modified roots that keep away animals. The fan leaves are dark green above, and silver on the underside.

Culture:
Warm, sheltered, and moist. Prefers tropical thru to sub-tropical conditions.

Figure 1. C. stauracantha leaves, showing the silver undersides.

Figure 2. C. stauracantha showing the root spines.

Contributed by:

Kathryn O (Figure 1&2).

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