Coccothrinax crinita subsp. brevicrinis
 
Common Names Short-Fiber Old Man Palm, Guano Barbudo Brevicrinis
 
Zones 10B–11
 
A rare subspecies of the iconic Coccothrinax crinita, brevicrinis is distinguished by its shorter, denser trunk fibers and slightly more compact stature. Endemic to Cuba, it shares the shaggy, bearded appearance of the species but with a more refined texture and tighter crown. Highly sought after by collectors for its sculptural form and rarity.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; very slow-growing
Height: 6–20 ft (1.8–6 m) in cultivation
Trunk: 3–6 in (8–15 cm) diameter; wrapped in shorter, woolly pale brown fibers that obscure the stem
Leaves: Palmate; circular, rigid, and thick; green above, silvery-gray beneath; up to 4 ft (1.2 m) wide
Inflorescence: Dioecious; yellow flowers on long stalks emerging among the leaves
Fruit: Round, purple-black; 0.3–0.8 in (0.7–2 cm) diameter; wrinkled surface
Ecology: Native to seasonally flooded savannahs and serpentine soils in Cuba; extremely rare in cultivation
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Fair to moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil
Soil: Sandy or limestone-based; tolerates serpentine substrates
Temperature: Hardy to 27°F (–3°C); tolerates light frost
Humidity: Moderate; tolerates dry air
Propagation: By seed; slow germination and juvenile growth
Tolerance: Moderate drought and salt tolerance once established
 
Landscape Use Ideal for collectors, botanical gardens, and tropical showpiece landscapes. Works well as a sculptural specimen or in minimalist groupings. Pairs beautifully with Copernicia baileyana, Coccothrinax miraguama, and Thrinax radiata.