| Coccothrinax | |
|---|---|
 | |
| C. argentata,Bahia Honda Key, Florida | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Subfamily: | Coryphoideae |
| Tribe: | Cryosophileae |
| Genus: | Coccothrinax Sarg. |
| Type species | |
| C. argentata | |
| Diversity | |
| About 53 species | |
| Synonyms | |
HaitiellaL.H.Bailey | |
Coccothrinax is agenus of palms in thefamilyArecaceae. There are more than 50species described in the genus, plus manysynonyms andsubspecies. A new species (Coccothrinax spirituana) was described as recently as 2017.[1] ManyCoccothrinax produce thatch. InSpanish-speaking countries,guano is a common name applied toCoccothrinax palms. The species are native throughout theCaribbean, theBahamas, extreme southernFlorida and southeasternMexico, but most of the species are known only fromCuba.[2][3][4]
Coccothrinax is a genus of small to medium-sized,fan palms with relatively slender stems[5] and 8 to 22palmate leaves.[6] The stems are initially covered by fibrous leaf sheaths. These break down into a network of fibres or spines, eventually leaving a bare trunk covered with leaf scars.[5] The undersides of theleaflets are often silvery-grey;[6] this is reflected in the common name "silver palm", which is given to many species ofCoccothrinax.[5] The base of the petiole is not split longitudinally. The absence of this trait is a distinguishing character that separatesCoccothrinax fromThrinax.[6]
Coccothrinax species bear branchedinflorescences that are located among the leaves. Thebisexual flowers, which are borne on short stalks, have between 6 and 13stamens and a singlecarpel. The fruit are small, single-seeded, and range in colour from purple-red to purple-black, to brown. The seeds are deeply grooved "and resemble a brain".[6]
| Simplified phylogeny of the Cryosophileae based on fournuclear genes and thematK plastid gene.[7] |
The genusCoccothrinax was first described by American botanistCharles Sprague Sargent in 1899. He split the genus away fromThrinax based on characteristics of the fruit and seeds. The genus was based on Sargent's description ofC. jucunda (nowC. argentata) andC. garberi (also synonymised withC. argentata). He also assignedThrinax argentea andT. radiata to the genus;[8] while the former is now recognised as part ofCoccothrinax, the latter remains inThrinax.[9] The generic epithet combines "coccus", the Latin word for berry, withThrinax.[6]
Coccothrinax is the most diverse genus of Caribbean palms.[9] AlthoughAndrew Henderson and colleagues only recognised fourteen species in their 1995Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas,[6] the currentWorld Checklist of Arecaceae recognises 52 or 53 species.[10]
Coccothrinax is placed in the tribeCryosophileae.[11]
Coccothrinax is a primarily Caribbean genus—it is found throughout the insular Caribbean, and in adjacent areas ofMexico andFlorida.[6] Species are usually found in dry, open or exposed habitats, onlimestone,serpentine orsandy soils.[5][6]
Coccothrinax argentata ranges fromFlorida and theFlorida Keys, through theBahamas andSan Andrés Island to southeasternMexico.[12]Coccothrinax barbadensis ranges through theLesser Antilles toTrinidad and Tobago and theNetherlands Antilles.[13] The remaining species have narrower distributions; many are known from single populations in Cuba or Hispaniola.[14]
Large collections are grown inFairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (more than 250 plants, more than 23 species),[15] inMiami, Florida,Jardín Botánico Nacional (15 species)[16] inHavana,Cuba, andPalmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (more than 1,000Thrinax andCoccothrinax plants),[17] in theCanary Islands,Spain.
Data related toCoccothrinax at Wikispecies
Media related toCoccothrinax at Wikimedia Commons