Sabal mauritiiformis - Trinidad Palm

The Sabal mauritiiformis is a spectacular palm tree, with a lush appearance, interesting for its rather rapid growth and its fairly accommodating nature. However, this magnificent tropical species is not very cold-resistant and can only be grown in the ground in areas with long hot summers and very mild winters. It is characterized by a thin false trunk topped by a large crown, composed of immensely palmate leaves that are deeply divided into rather thin and trailing segments. This sabal is a wonderful specimen for decorating a terrace or a greenhouse. 

The Sabal mauritiiformis belongs to the family of Arecaceae. It is found in an area ranging from southern Mexico to Venezuela and Costa Rica where it is widespread in the undergrowth, disturbed areas and pastures, often in semi-shaded conditions. The plant can reach a height of 15 to 20m (50 to 66ft) in the wild, but it can be much shorter depending on the habitat. This species shows rapid growth if the conditions are met, it adapts to any type of loose, well-drained and deep soil that remains moist. An adult plant dies below -4 °C. 

When young, the Sabal mauritiiformis forms a bush and after 10 to 12 years, it develops a single false trunk (stipe), cylindrical, straight and thin, very slender, measuring 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in diameter, greenish becoming browner, covered with remnants of old petioles. The foliage, ample and lush, is arranged in a terminal crown at the top of the stipe, and can eventually have a span of 9m (29ft). The crown is composed of 10 to 15 large costapalmate leaves, meaning palmate leaves arranged in a fan shape around a central axis. In the Sabal mauritiiformis, the petiole is particularly long.  Each leaf, which can reach 1.50m (5ft) wide, is divided into 90 to 150 semi-rigid segments, with a trailing end. The indigenous people use them to protect their homes, for making hats or crafts. Flowering, which occurs on mature individuals, consists of ascending inflorescences between the leaves, branched, with cream-white bisexual flowers (both male and female), extending well beyond the leaves. The fruit is spherical or pear-shaped, measuring up to 1.1cm (1in) in diameter and turns black when ripe.

The Sabal mauritiiformis makes a magnificent specimen to grow in a container. Plant this magnificent species near an entrance, on a large terrace, near a swimming pool, or in a large tropical greenhouse. It can be grown in a large container for several years. The plant should be stored in a slightly heated and slightly humid greenhouse during winter.