Coccothrinax torrida is a palm endemic to southeastern Cuba.[1] It is known from a single isolated hill on the coast of the Guantánamo Province. The climate of the area is described as semi-desert with 9 or 10 dry months.[1] Like other members of the genus, C. torrida is a fan palm. Trees are single-stemmed, between 2 and 8 m tall with stems 2.5 to 3.9 (occasionally up to 4.5) cm in diameter. The fruit is creamy white, 4.8–6.3 mm in diameter.[1]
| Coccothrinax torrida | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Coccothrinax |
| Species: | C. torrida
|
| Binomial name | |
| Coccothrinax torrida | |
The species was first described in 2006 from material collected in 2003.[1] It is related to C. pauciramosa, and is characterized by the following features: narrow semiorbicular flat leaves that are covered on the adaxial surface by white wax; a small irregular palman; long and erect inflorescences; and small, white, smooth fruits. C. torrida and C. montana are the only described species with white fruits in the genus Coccothrinax.[1] Since it is known from a single population of about 5000 individuals, the species is considered Vulnerable.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Morici, Carlo; Raúl Verdecia Pérez (2006). "Coccothrinax torrida (Arecaceae), a new species from southeastern Cuba". Brittonia. 58 (2): 189–193. doi:10.1663/0007-196X(2006)58[189:CTAANS]2.0.CO;2. Retrieved 2007-01-13.
External links
edit- Text and pictures of Coccothrinax torrida hosted by the Palm and Cycad Society of Australia
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