Zombia antillarum
 
Common Names Zombie Palm
 
Zones 10a–11
 
A bizarre and charismatic fan palm endemic to Hispaniola, Zombia antillarum is the sole species in its genus and instantly recognizable for its spiraled rings of spiny leaf bases. Its clustered stems, silvery undersides, and white fruits make it a standout in dry tropical gardens. Historically linked to folklore and voodoo symbolism, this palm is also ecologically important and increasingly rare in the wild due to habitat loss2.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Clumping; multi-stemmed; upright stems to 10 ft (3 m) tall
Trunk: 2–6 in (5–15 cm) diameter; covered in persistent burlap-like leaf bases with downward-pointing spines formed from vascular tissue
Leaves: Palmate; 9–12 per stem; glossy green above, silvery-white below; segments stiff and deeply split
Inflorescence: Shorter than leaves; bisexual flowers with 9–12 stamens; blooms in summer
Fruit: White or orange drupes; oblong to pear-shaped; ~0.6–0.8 in (1.5–2 cm) diameter; borne among leaves
Ecology: Native to dry hills and scrub of Haiti and the Dominican Republic; found on limestone ridges and forest margins; wind-pollinated2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Moderate; prefers well-drained soil
Soil: Sandy or rocky; tolerates limestone and poor fertility
Temperature: Sensitive to frost; protect below 40°F (4°C)
Humidity: Moderate to high
Propagation: By seed; up to 5,000 seeds per year in July–August
Tolerance: Drought, salt, wind; sensitive to overwatering
 
Landscape Use Ideal for dry tropical gardens, Caribbean-themed landscapes, and collectors of monotypic genera. Adds texture and folklore appeal. Pairs well with Coccothrinax argentea, Bursera simaruba, and Opuntia stricta.