SCIENTIFIC NAME: Aiphanes minima

COMMON NAME(S): Macaw palm
SUB FAMILY: Arecoideae
TRIBE: Cocoeae
ORIGIN: West Indies
HARDINESS ZONES: 10B-11 (damage at 32 degrees F), (killed at 26 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 20'
GROWTH RATE: Moderate to fast
HABIT: Solitary with an arching head of a small number of fronds
SALT TOLERANCE: Low
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: Low to moderate
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Deep, moist soil preferred
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Low when young, non-specific later
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Moderate
POPULAR USES: Specimen, including interior atrium plantings
HUMAN HAZARDS: Stiff, black spines
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS: None

COMMENTS: The even arrangement of the long, narrow leaflets on arching leaves is attractive, particularly when viewed from above. Spines on trunk, leaves and fruiting structures are attractive but call for caution; placement of the plants should be away from foot traffic. Many authors prefer the name Aiphanes erosa for this palm.