Allagoptera arenaria
 
Common Names Seashore Palm, Restinga Palm, Coco-de-Praia
 
Zones 9B–11
 
A compact, rhizomatous palm native to the coastal dunes of eastern Brazil, Allagoptera arenaria is prized for its feathery foliage and exceptional salt tolerance. Its subterranean trunk and swirling leaf arrangement give it a unique, ground-hugging form ideal for seaside gardens and erosion control. This species thrives in sandy, nutrient-poor soils and offers subtle elegance in low-profile landscapes.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Stemless to short-stemmed; rhizomatous clumping palm; slow growth rate
Height: Up to 2 m (6.5 ft) in cultivation; rarely taller in habitat
Trunk: Subterranean; branching underground stem gives clustered appearance
Leaves: Pinnate, 6–15 fronds; 0.6–1.8 m long; leaflets deep green to silvery, curling slightly
Petiole: Fibrous, unarmed; 45–60 cm long
Inflorescence: Corn-cob-like spikes; yellowish flowers borne on long peduncles
Fruit: Small, round; green to black when ripe; ~2.5 cm diameter
Ecology: Native to coastal dunes and restinga habitats; stabilizes sand and tolerates saline soils2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Very sandy, well-draining; tolerates poor, salty soils
Temperature: Ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); hardy to 20°F
Humidity: Moderate to high; thrives in coastal humidity
Propagation: By seed; germination slow (up to 6 months)
Tolerance: High salt and wind tolerance; sensitive to overwatering
 
Landscape Use Ideal for coastal gardens, dune stabilization, and low-profile tropical borders. Pairs well with Serenoa repens, Opuntia stricta, and Uniola paniculata.