Common Name: licuri palm
Type: Palm or Cycad
Family: Arecaceae
Native Range: Northeastern Brazil
Zone: 9 to 12
Height: 20.00 to 30.00 feet
Spread: 10.00 to 15.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Yellow
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Fruit: Edible
Tolerate: Drought, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, sandy, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soil types including dry, rocky soils, calcareous soils and clay as long as they are fertile. Intolerant of salty spray. Hardy in Zones 9 and above.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Syagrus coronata, commonly called licuri palm or ouricury palm, is a small palm native to eastern Brazil. This slow-growing, single-stemmed palm will reach up to 30' tall with a 15' spread. The smooth grey trunk (up to 10" in diameter) is topped with a crown of large, slightly arched compound leaves. Individual leaves can reach up to 10' long. The old, dried leaf petioles persist on the trunk and create a spiral pattern. Pendulous clusters of yellow blooms are followed by 1" diameter green fruits that ripen to yellow or orange. The fleshy mesocarp (middle layer) of the fruits is edible and eaten raw. Oil can be extracted from the fatty seeds. The fruits are the main food source of the Lear's macaw. The leaves are used locally to weave baskets, hats, brooms, and other household items.
Genus name comes from the Latin syagrus the name of a type of date palm referred to by Pliny.
The specific epithet coronata means "crowned", possibly in reference to the shape of the canopy.
Problems
Reportedly susceptible to toganoderma butt rot. No other pest or disease issues of note.
Uses
Suitable for use as a specimen plant. Its small size and slow speed of growth make this an excellent choice for home gardens and situating close to patios.