Coccothrinax crinita
 
Common Names Old Man Palm, Guano Barbudo, Palma Petate
 
Zones 10B–11
 
A visually arresting fan palm endemic to Cuba, Coccothrinax crinita is instantly recognizable for its thick, woolly trunk fibers that resemble an aged beard—hence the name “Old Man Palm.” This solitary species is slow-growing but highly ornamental, with rigid circular leaves and a dense, shaggy trunk that adds texture and character to any tropical garden.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; very slow-growing
Height: 7–33 ft (2–10 m)
Trunk: 3–8 in (8–20 cm) diameter; completely wrapped in long, pale brown fibers that obscure the stem
Leaves: Palmate; 15–25 nearly circular leaves; 38 segments with split tips; green above, dull gray beneath; up to 5 ft (1.5 m) wide
Inflorescence: Dioecious; yellow flowers on 5 ft (1.5 m) stalks emerging among the leaves
Fruit: Round, wrinkled; purple to black; 0.3–0.8 in (0.7–2 cm) diameter
Ecology: Native to seasonally flooded savannahs and serpentine soils in Cuba; rare in the wild and considered at risk of extinction2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Fair to moderate; prefers moist but well-drained soil
Soil: Adaptable; thrives in sandy, limestone, or serpentine substrates
Temperature: Hardy to 27°F (–3°C); tolerates light frost
Humidity: Moderate; tolerates dry air
Propagation: By seed; slow germination (up to 6 months); seedlings grow slowly
Tolerance: Moderate drought and salt tolerance once established
 
Landscape Use Ideal for collectors, botanical gardens, and tropical showpiece landscapes. Works well as a specimen palm or in minimalist groupings. Pairs beautifully with Copernicia baileyana, Coccothrinax miraguama, and Thrinax radiata.