Trinidad palm (Sabal mauritiiformis, A.H.R.Grisebach, Fl. Brit. W. I.: 514 (1864))

Family: Arecaceae

Author: (H.Karst.) Griseb. & H.Wendl.

Bibliography: A.H.R.Grisebach, Fl. Brit. W. I.: 514 (1864)

Year: 1864

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sabal

Vegetable: False

Observations: NC. & S. Mexico to Venezuela, Trinidad

Description

The Trinidad palm, scientifically known as Sabal mauritiiformis, stands as a remarkable plant within the distinguished family Arecaceae. First described in 1864 by the botanist A.H.R. Grisebach in “Flora of the British West Indies” and later attributed to both Grisebach and H. Wendland, this palm captivates both botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to a range of habitats from North and Central Mexico extending all the way to Venezuela and Trinidad, the Trinidad palm epitomizes resilience and adaptability in various climatic conditions. Its widespread presence across such a diverse geographical area speaks to its hardiness and capability to thrive in different environments.

The Trinidad palm notably features a robust trunk and an elegant crown of fan-shaped leaves, making it not just an important species ecologically but also an attractive addition to landscapes. Ideal for ornamental purposes, these palms often bring a touch of tropical elegance to gardens and public spaces.

Overall, Sabal mauritiiformis continues to be a subject of admiration and study due to its significant presence in its native regions and its undeniable aesthetic appeal. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in a garden, the Trinidad palm remains a splendid representative of the rich biodiversity of the Arecaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: trinidad palm, green botan
Deu: trinidad-palmettopalme
Por: palmeira-leque
Spa: huano, botan, carat, palma amarga, palma de guarara, palma de vaca
En: Trinidad palm, Green botan
De: Trinidad-Palmettopalme
Pt: Palmeira-leque
Es: Huano, Botan, Carat, Palma amarga, Palma de guarara, Palma de vaca

Synonyms

• Sabal morrisiana (Bartlett ex L.H.Bailey)
• Sabal glaucescens (Lodd. ex Drabble)
• Sabal allenii (L.H.Bailey)
• Trithrinax mauritiiformis (H.Karst.)
• Sabal coerulescens (Anon.)
• Sabal nematoclada (Burret)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 9, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by rob krause (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by José Luis Terán García (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 31, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Lorena Montoya (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2732482)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:669714-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sabal mauritiiformis (H.Karst.) Griseb. & H.Wendl.)

Specifications

Growth