Palm trees are a notable feature of St. Croix’s landscape, contributing to its tropical aesthetic and cultural heritage. While there are many types of palm trees on St. Croix, the Tyre Palm, or Thatch Palm (Coccothrinax alta), is the only remaining native species.
Other palm trees found on St. Croix today were introduced for ornamental or agricultural purposes. Some common examples are:
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens: (syn: Dypsis lutescens)
Areca palm
- Also known as the Butterfly Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Yellow cane palm, Golden fruited palm, and Pinang kuning.
- It is often used in landscaping.
- Native to Madagascar, it thrives in tropical climates like St. Croix’s.
Acrocomia aculeata:
Grugru palm
- Also known as gloo gloo, corojo, macaúba palm, coyol palm, and macaw palm
- Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, including Southern Mexico, the Caribbean, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
- Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)
- Although not native to the Caribbean, coconut palms have become iconic throughout the region.
- These palms thrive on St. Croix’s beaches and provide shade, coconuts, and aesthetic beauty.
- They were likely introduced by European colonists or through early trade networks.
- Royal Palm (Roystonea regia)
- Native to Cuba and nearby areas, the Royal Palm is commonly planted for decorative purposes.
- Its tall, smooth trunk and elegant crown make it a favorite in gardens, resorts, and along roadsides.
- Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)
- A species introduced from the Middle East, date palms are sometimes found in private gardens or public spaces.
- While they don’t thrive as well as in arid regions, they are valued for their ornamental appearance.
Gentle Winds offers a walking tour of fifteen palm tree species.