Thrinax radiata

The Florida Pelambrera is a »small» palm that can measure between 5 and 10 meters in height, but has a trunk thickness of only 15 cm, which is why it is so interesting to have in small gardens and even in pots, since that in addition its root system is not invasive.

Do you want to meet her? Let’s go there .

What is La Pelambrera de Florida like?

Thrinax radiata adult

Our protagonist, also known by the common names of Coastal guano, Yuruguayan palm, Canaxan or Trinax, and with the scientist Thrinax radiatais a slow-growing palm native to Central America belonging to the botanical family Arecaceae. It has a trunk of just 15cm in diameter, smooth, and ringed at the top. The leaves are fan-shaped, and are divided into about 50 segments which are green. The petiole is smooth and measures up to 80cm in length.

It is a hermaphroditic plant. The flowers are grouped in erect or slightly arched inflorescences, and are white. Once they are pollinated, the fruit begins to ripen, which will end up measuring about 0,8cm in diameter and will be whitish in color.

How do you take care of yourself?

Fruits of Thrinax radiata

Fruits of Thrinax radiata. Picture – Useful Tropical Plants

If you would like to have a copy, here is its care guide:

  • Location: it must be directly exposed to the sun.
  • Soil or substrate: not very demanding. It grows in loamy or sandy soils and, provided it has good sewer systemYou can also do it in limestone.
  • Irrigation: it is advisable to water every 2-3 days in summer, and every 5-6 days the rest of the year.
  • Multiplication: by seeds in spring. Direct sowing in a sealed bag with vermiculite previously moistened with water. They will germinate in 1-2 months at a temperature of 20-25ºC.
  • Rusticity: withstands cold and frosts down to -2ºC if they are short and punctual.

Have you ever heard of the Florida Pelt?