Family: Arecaceae

Coccothrinax barbadensis, commonly known as the Puerto Rico silver palm, is a slow-growing, slender palm native to parts of the Caribbean and northern South America, including the Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and the Venezuelan Antilles. This attractive palm is recognized for its narrow trunk and fan-shaped leaves that are glossy green above and silvery beneath, giving it a distinctive shimmering appearance in the wind. It is commonly planted as an ornamental tree in tropical landscapes and coastal settings due to its tolerance of drought, wind, salt spray, and poor soils.

In Hawaiʻi, Coccothrinax barbadensis is naturalized on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu, demonstrating its ability to survive and reproduce outside of cultivation. Although it is not currently considered highly invasive, it does possess traits that are cause for concern, including environmental tolerance and the potential to spread in suitable habitats. On islands with highly specialized native ecosystems, these characteristics may lead to unintended ecological impacts over time. Caution is recommended when planting this species to ensure it does not negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s natural environment, and selecting low-risk or native alternatives is encouraged whenever possible.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalizes outside native range (e.g., Hawaii)
  
• High tropical/subtropical climate suitability
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Bird-dispersed fleshy fruits
  
• Planted intentionally as ornamental
  
• Tolerates poor/calcareous soils

Low Risk Traits:

• Not reported as a weed
  
• No spines, toxins, or allelopathy
  
• Requires full sun (not shade-tolerant)
  
• Non-climbing, solitary habit
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Slow to mature (20+ years)
  
• Seeds not wind-dispersed or hitchhiking