Copernicia curbeloi 'Blue Form'
 
Common Names Curbelo’s Wax Palm, Jata de Curbelo (local); Blue Yarey (collector name)
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A rare, serpentine-endemic fan palm from central-eastern Cuba, Copernicia curbeloi 'Blue Form' is prized for its powdery blue-green leaves, massive trunk, and rigid, upright crown. This form is distinguished by its glaucous foliage and enhanced drought tolerance, making it a standout in dry tropical landscapes and high-end collections.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: Up to 50 ft (15 m); crown spread ~15 ft (4.5 m)
Trunk: Robust; smooth; slightly swollen; 12–16 in (30–40 cm) diameter
Leaves: Costapalmate; circular; stiff; blue-green above, silvery below; up to 4.3 ft (1.3 m) wide; petiole armed with spines
Inflorescence: Tomentose; arched; up to 10 ft (3 m); emerges above the crown
Fruit: Globose; black when ripe; ~0.7 in (18 mm) diameter
Ecology: Endemic to Camagüey savannas in Cuba; thrives in serpentine soils low in nutrients and high in heavy metals2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant when mature
Soil: Well-drained; alkaline or serpentine; avoid rich soils
Temperature: Hardy to ~28°F (–2°C); foliage may burn in hard freezes
Humidity: Moderate; tolerates seasonal dryness
Propagation: By seed; slow germination; seedlings benefit from partial shade
Tolerance: High drought and salt tolerance; sensitive to overwatering
 
Landscape Use Ideal for dry tropical gardens, serpentine-themed plantings, and collectors seeking bold, architectural foliage. Pairs well with Copernicia baileyana, Coccothrinax spissa, and Zamia integrifolia.