Coccothrinax macroglossa 'Azul'
 
Common Names Azul Silver Palm, Blue Coccothrinax, Cuban Blue Palm
 
Zones 10B–11
 
A rare and visually stunning form of Coccothrinax macroglossa, the 'Azul' variant is native to serpentine savannahs in Camagüey, Cuba. It’s distinguished by its steely blue, waxy leaf surface and brilliant silver undersides—rivaling even Bismarckia nobilis in color but with a far more compact and manageable size. Highly sought after by collectors, it thrives in tropical and warm temperate gardens with excellent drainage.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing initially, accelerates once trunk forms
Height: Up to 20 ft (6 m) in cultivation
Trunk: Slender; 4–6 in (10–15 cm) diameter; wrapped in fibrous netting from old leaf bases
Leaves: Costapalmate; steely blue above, bright silver-white beneath; rigid and deeply divided; 3–4 ft (0.9–1.2 m) wide
Inflorescence: Monoecious; yellow flowers; long panicles emerge below the crown
Fruit: Small, round, purple-black; ~0.5 in (1.2 cm) diameter
Ecology: Native to serpentine soils in eastern Cuba; grows alongside Copernicia shaferi and Coccothrinax pseudorigida
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Low once established; moderate during establishment
Soil: Requires excellent drainage; tolerates sandy and rocky substrates
Temperature: Hardy to 30°F (–1°C); protect from prolonged cold
Humidity: Moderate; tolerates dry air
Propagation: By seed; slow germination; seedlings may take years to show blue coloration
Tolerance: High drought and salt wind tolerance; sensitive to root disturbance
 
Landscape Use Ideal for collectors, minimalist tropical gardens, and silver-themed designs. Pairs beautifully with Copernicia hospita, Coccothrinax miraguama, and Bismarckia nobilis.