Copernicia ekmanii

This rare fan palm is endemic to northwestern Haiti, where scattered populations grow in rocky limestone thorn scrub and grass tussock savanna on the Presqu’île du Môle Saint-Nicolas and inland toward Bombardopolis. Its slender stem is 15–20 cm (6–8 in) in diameter and usually reaches only 3–4 m (10–13 ft.) in habitat; cultivated specimens are reported to grow taller, though maximum heights circulating in the horticultural literature are unverified. The stiff, nearly circular leaves are about 1 m across, heavily coated in white wax on the undersurface and petiole, giving the crown a silvery-blue cast at a distance; the petioles are armed with stout curved spines along the margins. Dead leaves persist as a skirt below the crown, and slender inflorescences extend well beyond the leaves, bearing globose black fruits. It grows in full sun on well-drained soil and is drought tolerant but cold sensitive, particularly in containers. Long harvested for thatch and construction, it is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

Weight: 3 oz.