Paurotis Palm - Cherrylake

Paurotis Palm

Acoelorrhaphe wrightii

A native of South America, the Paurotis Palm is known as the Everglades Palm because of its natural proliferation throughout the Florida Everglades. Though many palm varieties would languish in this marshy environment, Paurotis Palms prefer to grow in wet conditions.

Paurotis grow in densely packed clusters of tall, thin trunks. These are covered in dry root bases and tough palm fibers that lend textural interest to a landscape. Paurotis fronds are fan-shaped and wispy, with an attractive light green color. In Spring, Paurotis Palms grow long inflorescences with moderately showy white flowers. These give way to a golden drupe that turns reddish-orange before darkening to black when fully ripe.

With a mature height of between ten to thirty feet and spread of ten to fifteen feet, these palms are a versatile addition to many landscapes. This palm’s ability to grow in conditions too wet for other palms makes it an excellent candidate to plant beside water features and its dense growth pattern lends itself well to use as a privacy screen.

12′ Paurotis Palm in the Field

Ornamental Characteristics:

Native Origin:
South America

Common Names:
Everglades Palm

Description:
Hardy Range: 9B – 11
Mature Height: 10 – 30’
Mature Spread: 10 – 15’
Growth Rate: Slow

Ornamental Characteristics:
Paurotis Palms grow in dense clusters of tall, slender trunks, each covered in coarse fibers and dry leaf bases. Fronds are thin and fan shaped, with a light green color. Flowers are  somewhat showy, and are followed by dense bunches of orange fruit that can extend past the fronds and turn black as they ripen.

Environment:
Soil: Wet to Moist
Salt: Moderate
Drought Tolerance: Low
Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

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Paurotis Palm in the Landscape
Paurotis Palm in the Landscape
Paurotis Palm Fronds
Paurotis Palm Fronds
Paurotis Palm Fruit
Paurotis Palm Fruit