Family: Arecaceae

The cohune palm is native to Central and Latin America, where it dominates the low land wet forest communities. A distinct-looking palm with a massive crown of upright fronds, feathery in texture, set atop a short, stout trunk. Compared to other palms, the frond to trunk ratio is dramatic in cohune, with many times more frond area than the trunk. In some cases, the crown is all that can be seen as the trunk grows underground for a few years. The palm tree is an abundant seeder, producing more than 1000 seeds per square meter per year. Seeds should be sowed fresh in moist soil; germination takes place in 3 to 6 months. From top to bottom, the cohune palm is useful: palm leaflets for thatching, construction framing materials, seed oil, brooms from flower stalks, charcoal, jewelry, weaving, and heart of palm.

Plant Uses:

• Cultural significance
• Edible
• Privacy / screening
• Specimen
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers