Caranday Palm Trithrinax campestris
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Caranday palm, this plant is a hardy, evergreen species characterized by its fan-shaped, stiff leaves with spiny petioles. The leaves are a blue-green to silver-green color and have a distinctive, waxy texture, which gives the foliage a shimmering appearance in the sunlight. The fan-shaped leaves form a rounded, dense crown at the top of a sturdy, single trunk, which is covered by the remnants of old leaf bases. These old leaf bases give the trunk a rough, textured appearance. The Caranday palm flowers are yellowish and small, forming on branched inflorescences that are hidden among the leaves. After flowering, it produces small, brown to black fruits that are round to oval in shape. The appearance of the fruits adds an ornamental quality to the plant, and they stand in contrast to the striking blue-green foliage. Overall, the Caranday palm has a rugged and robust aesthetic, making it a distinctive choice for ornamental use in various landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Arecaceae
Synonyms
Caranday Palm, Blue Needle Palm, Carandilla, Carandaí, Palma Negra
Common names
Trithrinax acanthocoma, Trithrinax brasiliensis, Copernicia campestris.
ToxicityTo humans
The caranday palm is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxicity from ingesting parts of the caranday palm, and it is not typically associated with poisoning symptoms. However, like many plants, it is always advisable to exercise caution and not consume parts of plants unless they are known to be safe and edible.
To pets
The caranday palm is not commonly known for being toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that pets, such as cats and dogs, would experience poisoning symptoms from ingesting parts of the caranday palm. However, as with any plant, individual animals might have specific sensitivities or allergic reactions, and it's always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20 feet (6 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Palm
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape aesthetics: The Caranday palm adds a unique aesthetic appeal to gardens and parks with its striking blue-green leaves and stout, spiky trunk.
- Drought tolerance: This species is highly resilient to dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid landscapes.
- Cold resistance: The Caranday palm can withstand occasional frosts, which makes it versatile for planting in regions with colder climates.
- Wind resistance: Its robust form and deep root system make it resistant to strong winds, an ideal choice for exposed areas.
- Shade provision: The palm provides shade with its dense canopy, creating cooler areas underneath which can be used for seating or other recreational purposes.
- Wildlife support: The Caranday palm produces fruits that are a food source for various bird species, thus supporting local biodiversity.
- Erosion control: With its extensive root system, the Caranday palm helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in sandy soils.
- Cultural significance: The Caranday palm holds cultural value in certain regions where it is indigenous, and may be used in traditional practices or as a local landmark.
- Economic value: The leaves of the Caranday palm can be used for thatching and the production of handicrafts, providing economic benefits to local communities.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fiber source: The leaves of the caranday palm can be used to extract fibers that are made into ropes, baskets, and brushes due to their strength and durability.
- Thatching material: The leaves of the caranday are ideal for use as a thatching material to cover roofs of rural structures, providing insulation and protection from weather.
- Horticultural ornament: Caranday palms are often planted as ornamental trees in gardens and parks because of their unique appearance and resistance to drought.
- Fencing: The thick, spiny trunks of the caranday can be used to create natural, impenetrable barriers or fences.
- Soil stabilization: The caranday palm's extensive root system can help in preventing soil erosion in arid and semi-arid environments.
- Windbreaks: Tall specimens can serve as wind protection for crops or structures when planted in rows or clusters.
- Traditional ceremonial uses: Some indigenous cultures may use parts of the caranday palm in their traditional ceremonies or as part of their cultural heritage.
- Edible fruit: Although not commonly consumed, the fruits of the caranday can be eaten and are sometimes used to make alcoholic beverages in local cultures.
- Wildlife habitat: The caranday palm provides habitat and food sources for various bird species, insects, and small mammals.
- Shade provision: Its canopy can offer shade for undergrowth plants or as a cool resting area for humans and animals in hot climates.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Caranday Palm is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Caranday Palm is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Trithrinax campestris, commonly known as the Caranday palm, is known for its ability to withstand drought. Its symbolism of resilience reflects an individual's ability to endure difficult conditions and survive through tough times.
- Endurance: Native to South American regions with harsh climates, the Caranday palm symbolizes endurance, representing the capacity to cope with long-term challenges and persist despite adversity.
- Protection: With its spiny trunk and leaves, the Caranday palm offers natural protection to its surroundings. Symbolically, it represents safeguarding and the need to secure oneself or others from harm.
- Adaptability: The Caranday palm is adaptable to a range of soil types and climates. This adaptability symbolizes flexibility and the ability to thrive in various environments or situations.
WaterThe Caranday palm should be watered deeply but infrequently, to mimic the natural arid conditions in which it thrives. Ideally, allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings to prevent root rot. In the active growing season, which is spring and summer, watering once every 1 to 2 weeks should suffice, providing about 2 gallons per watering for medium-sized palms. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, depending on the weather conditions and overall moisture in the soil. Younger palms may require slightly more frequent watering until established.
LightThe Caranday palm prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. It should be planted in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best location for the Caranday palm is an open area, away from buildings or shade trees, to ensure it receives the sunlight it needs to thrive and develop its stiff, blue-green leaves.
TemperatureThe Caranday palm is quite hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite this cold tolerance, the ideal temperature range for the palm is between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in hotter temperatures as well, provided they are given sufficient water and protection from extreme heat.
PruningPruning the Caranday palm typically involves removing dead or damaged fronds to maintain its appearance and health. Prune during the spring or early summer, which is the best time for trimming palms. Pruning once a year is often enough, and always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts to avoid damaging the trunk or healthy fronds.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCaranday palm prefers a well-draining soil mix consisting of sandy loam, peat, and some organic matter, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5, leaning toward neutral to slightly alkaline.
RepottingCaranday palm should be repotted infrequently as it is slow-growing; repot every 3 to 4 years or when the root system outgrows the pot.
Humidity & MistingCaranday palm tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate to high humidity, avoiding excessively dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Caranday palm in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Caranday palm in full sun to partial shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleTrithrinax campestris, commonly known as Caranday Palm or Blue Needle Palm, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires warm temperatures and can take several months. The seedling stage follows, during which the primary root develops and the plant starts to grow its first set of leaves. As it enters the juvenile phase, the palm slowly builds a sturdy trunk and its distinctive fan-shaped leaves become more pronounced. This species can tolerate a range of environmental conditions during its growth stage, making it relatively resilient. Sexual maturity is reached after several years, at which point the Caranday Palm produces inflorescences with numerous small flowers capable of cross or self-pollination, leading to fruit and seed development for propagation. Finally, as a perennial, it will continue to grow and reproduce for many years, with individual plants living several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Trithrinax campestris, commonly known as Caranday Palm, is typically propagated by seeds. The best time for sowing is during warm months when temperatures range consistently between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 32 degrees Celsius). To propagate Caranday Palm by seeds, one needs to collect ripe fruits from the plant and clean them to obtain seeds. Once cleaned, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 48 to 72 hours to enhance germination rates. After soaking, the seeds are sown in a well-draining soil mix, roughly 1 inch (2.54 cm) deep. They require consistent moisture and warmth to germinate, which could take several months due to the hard seed coat. It's crucial to be patient with Caranday Palm seeds, as they may exhibit slow and sporadic germination.
