Leucothrinax morrisii
 
Common Names Key Thatch Palm, Brittle Thatch, Buffalo Top, Silvertop Palmetto
 
Zones 9B–11
 
A resilient fan palm native to Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, and the Greater Antilles, Leucothrinax morrisii is prized for its silvery leaf undersides, salt tolerance, and compact form. Formerly classified under Thrinax, it was elevated to its own genus in 2008 based on molecular data. It thrives in coastal scrub, sand dunes, and limestone outcrops, making it ideal for restoration and ornamental use in exposed tropical and subtropical gardens.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: 10–36 ft (3–11 m); trunk diameter 2–14 in (5–35 cm)
Trunk: Slender; gray to brown; smooth; ringed with leaf scars
Leaves: Costapalmate; 2.5 ft (75 cm) wide; pale green above, silvery-white below; petioles split basally with net-like fibers
Inflorescence: Arching; up to 3.3 ft (1 m) long; extends beyond the leaves; yellow flowers in spring
Fruit: Globose; white to light brown when ripe; ~0.6 in (1.5 cm) diameter
Ecology: Native to dry broadleaf evergreen forests and coastal scrub; grows on sand or limestone substrates
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained; sandy or alkaline; tolerates poor soils
Temperature: Hardy to ~25°F (–4°C); excellent cold tolerance for a tropical palm
Humidity: Moderate to high
Propagation: By seed; slow germination
Tolerance: High salt, wind, and drought tolerance; ideal for coastal exposure
 
Landscape Use Ideal for coastal gardens, xeric landscapes, and restoration projects. Pairs well with Coccothrinax argentata, Serenoa repens, and Zamia integrifolia.