Astrocaryum mexicanum

Choco Palm



Natural Habitat:  The rainforest of Mexico and Central America.



Description:  A medium sized palm that can reach heights over 30 feet tall.  The mexicanum is heavily spiked along its trunk, crownshaft, branches and even inflorescences.  It has a slender trunk, which gives way to a small tan to brown crownshaft.  The branches are quite long for the palms size reaching lengths over 10 feet long.  The leaves are arranged in a pinnate pattern, with dark green tops and silver undersides.



Environment:  The mexicanum enjoys a shady moist area, where it can get a few hours of full sun a day.  It is said to be the coldest hardy species in the Astrocaryum family, handling temps down into the low 30s.  There is an in-ground specimen planted at a botanical garden here in Orlando, Florida.  Zones 9-11.

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