Trithrinax campestris - Caranday Palm

Trithrinax campestris or Copernicia campestris, sometimes called the Trident Palm, is a medium-sized botanical species, relatively hardy, native to the dry regions of Argentina and Uruguay. Standing on one or more enlarged stipes covered in grey fibres, it reaches towards the sky with bouquets of stiff, leathery, sword-shaped leaves, with a blue glaucous hue. Over time, the modest yucca-like clump it embodies during its early years unfolds, rises, and takes on its full dimension. This little-known species, less heat-demanding than most other palms, should be able to adapt to all regions spared from severe frost.

Trithrinax campestris (synonym Copernicia campestris, Chamaethrinax hookeriana) belongs to the Arecaceae family. It is a palm tree native to western Uruguay and northeastern Argentina, where it grows in open areas, often near watercourses, under a climate that experiences a pronounced dry season. This palm tree, which can slowly reach a height of 6 to 7m (20 to 23ft), is supported by one or more thick, straight, massive false trunks (stipes) that can sometimes reach a diameter of 25cm (10in). They are covered in a grey sheath bristling with dangerous black spines, which are remnants of old petioles and dried leaves. The foliage is arranged in terminal crowns at the end of each stipe and can eventually span a width of 3m (10ft). Each crown is composed of 40 to 50 palmate leaves, 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) wide, divided into 20 short, rigid and sharp segments, covered with a whitish down on the upper surface. They are bluish on top, with a more glaucous green on the underside. The petiole, 50 cm (20in) long, is green-grey and spiny, especially at the base.

Trithrinax are hermaphroditic, meaning that the same individual bears male and female flowers. Flowering occurs on mature individuals, and takes place in October. The short and lightly branched inflorescences are arranged all around the stipe, just below the crown of leaves. They bear a large number of cream-yellow flowers that are pleasantly fragrant and, in favourable climates, give rise to round, brown fruits, each containing a round, brown seed about 1cm (1in) in diameter, which germinates with some difficulty.

Trithrinax campestris combines the elegance and nobility of a palm tree with the ruggedness and robustness of a yucca. Due to the presence of spines, it is preferable to keep it away from paths and young children. Along with Mazari Palm, Nannorrhops ritchiana, Chamaerops hystrix, Brahea armata, and Chamaerops humilis, it is one of the hardiest ornamental palm species in theory. In reality, this factor depends largely on soil drainage and ambient humidity. Remarkable in mild, Mediterranean or oceanic climates, it can also be grown in a large container almost everywhere else. The plant can be overwintered in a cool, bright and well-ventilated space with a dry atmosphere. It will be magnificent planted near a doorway or on either side of a gateway. Fans of sculptural plants can also plant Siberian Nolina, Agave ovatifolia, Dasylirion wheeleri, Yucca rigida, and other plants that appear to be dipped in steel, with a blue hue, and are well adapted to arid conditions.