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:
Areca palm
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens: (syn: Dypsis lutescens)
- 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.
Macaw palm
Acrocomia aculeata:
- Also known as grugru palm, gloo gloo, corojo, macaúba palm, coyol palm.
- Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, including Southern Mexico, the Caribbean, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.
Christmas Palm
Adonidia merrillii
- Also known as Manila palm
- native to the Philippines (Palawan and Danjugan Island). This palm was cultivated for centuries in East Asia before becoming a staple in the West.
Coconut Palm
Cocos nucifera
- only living species of the genus Cocos.
- 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.
Travellers Palm
Ravenala madagascariensis
Also known as Traveller’s tree, East-West palm
Despite its name, it is not a true palm but belongs to the family Strelitziaceae, which also includes bird-of-paradise plants.
The name comes from the belief that rainwater collects in the base of its leaf stems, providing a source of water for thirsty travelers. Additionally, the plant’s fan-like orientation often grows aligned with the east-west axis, which may help travelers navigate.
Royal Palm
Roystonea spp.
Also known as Cuban royal palm, Caribbean Royal Palm, Puerto Rican Royal Palm, Florida royal palm
The Royal Palm is a majestic and iconic palm tree native to the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. It is widely planted as an ornamental tree for its elegant appearance, making it a popular choice in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
It typically grows 50–100 feet (15–30 meters) tall, depending on the species.
Notable Species
- Roystonea regia (Cuban Royal Palm):
- Native to Cuba and parts of Florida.
- The most widely cultivated and recognized species.
- Roystonea oleracea (Caribbean Royal Palm):
- Native to the Lesser Antilles and northern South America.
- Slightly taller and more slender than R. regia.
- Roystonea borinquena (Puerto Rican Royal Palm):
- Native to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, including St. Croix.
- 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.
- widely cultivated across northern Africa, the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, Australia, South Asia, and California
- Fishtail Palm
- Caryota urens L.
- Caryota is a genus of palm trees. They are often known as fishtail palms because of the shape of their leaves.
- Puerto Rico – jaggery palm, solitary fishtail palm, wine palm, toddy palm
- Foxtail Palm
- Wodyetia bifurcate
- native to Queensland, Australia.
- Majesty palm
- Ravenea rivularis
- Majestic Palm
- native to Madagascar
- Pindo Palm
- Pygmy Date Palm
- Queen Palm
- 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.
- Sabal Palm
- Sentry Palm
- Spindle Palm
- Triangle Palm
Gentle Winds offers a walking tour of fifteen palm tree species.