Copernicia gigas
 
Common Names Giant Yarey Palm, Yarey Grande, Cuban Petticoat Palm
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A colossal fan palm endemic to southeastern Cuba, Copernicia gigas is revered for its massive trunk, waxy blue-green leaves, and resilience in harsh, nutrient-poor soils. It thrives in seasonally dry savannas and serpentine clay flats, making it ideal for collectors seeking bold architectural form and extreme adaptability.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: Up to 65 ft (20 m); crown spread ~20 ft (6 m)
Trunk: Smooth; gray to white; up to 20 in (50 cm) diameter; younger portions retain petiole bases
Leaves: Costapalmate; rigid; fan-shaped; green above, waxy gray below; marginally circular; petioles armed with spines
Inflorescence: Arched and branched; up to 10 ft (3 m); emerges between leaves; whitish bisexual flowers
Fruit: Globose; black when ripe; ~0.8 in (2 cm) diameter
Ecology: Endemic to southeastern Cuba; adapted to serpentine and clayey savannas with poor drainage and high heavy metal content2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained; alkaline, clayey, or serpentine; avoid rich soils
Temperature: Hardy to 32°F (0°C) for short durations; foliage may burn in hard freezes
Humidity: Moderate; tolerates seasonal dryness
Propagation: By seed; germinates in ~60 days; seedlings slow to trunk
Tolerance: High drought and salt tolerance; exceptional resilience to poor soils2
 
Landscape Use Ideal for large-scale tropical gardens, serpentine-themed plantings, and collectors seeking rare, monumental specimens. Pairs well with Copernicia fallaensis, Copernicia curbeloi 'Blue Form', and Coccothrinax spissa.