Other Names:  Coyol Palm, Grugru Palm, Macaw Palm

Description:

A handsome, single trunked palm featuring large, pinnate, bluish-green leaves forming a high canopy; viciously sharp thorns cover the trunk; great for arid or semi-arid regions; an elegant addition to the tropical landscape; keep away from walkways

Ornamental Features

Macauba Palm is draped in stunning clusters of fragrant buttery yellow flowers hanging below the branches from mid winter to early spring. It has attractive bluish-green evergreen foliage. The large glossy narrow pinnately compound leaves are highly ornamental and remain bluish-green throughout the winter. The lime green fruits with chartreuse overtones are held in clusters from early to mid summer. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. The spiny gray bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Macauba Palm is an open evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a towering form, with a high canopy of foliage concentrated at the top of the plant. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. It is a good choice for attracting birds and bees to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Macauba Palm is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Hedges/Screening

Planting & Growing

Macauba Palm will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America..