the genus
TRITHRINAX

From the Greek “tri”, three, and “thrinax”, trident, a reference to the stiff, spine-tipped leaves

Subfamily: Coryphoideae
Tribe: Corypheae
Subtribe: Thrinacinae

The subtribe includes 14 related genera such as Rhapidophyllum, Trachycarpus, Chamaerops, Rhapis, etc.

A small genus of 3 species native to the subtropical regions of South America in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. In their natural habitats these palms endure a good deal of cold and also severe drought (except for T. schizophylla, which inhabits moist forest). Trithrinax belongs to the subfamily Coryphoideae, considered to be primitive in the evolution of palms. The simple flowers of the genus Trithrinax have 3 sepals, 3 petals, 6 stamens, and 3 free carpels, a structure which botanists consider ancestral in design. These handsome, slow-growing palms may be solitary or clustering and produce stiff-fan-shaped leaves in either green or silvery tones, much like Chamaerops.

Culture: Trithrinax succeeds in full sun or light shade and will tolerate extreme heat and drought. Good drainage is essential.

Trithrinax acanthocoma
Common Name: Spiny Fiber Palm
Cold Tolerance: 10F (-12C) USDA Zones: 8-11

Typical Height: 15' Growth Rate: Slow
Habit: Solitary

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 15–300gal. 1'–15'CT

Trithrinax campestris
Common Names:
South American Needle Palm, “Caranday” (Uruguay), “Saro” (Argentina)
Cold Tolerance: 10F (-12C) USDA Zones: 8-11

Typical Height: 15' Growth Rate: Very Slow
Habit: Solitary

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 3–45gal. 6"–4' OA