SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gaussia maya

COMMON NAME(S): Maya palm
SUB FAMILY: Ceroxyloideae
TRIBE: Hyophorbeae
ORIGIN: Guatemala and Belize
HARDINESS ZONES: 10B-11 (severely damaged or killed at 26 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 30'
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
HABIT: Solitary; canopy of 5-7 leaves
SALT TOLERANCE: Low
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: Moderate
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Widely adaptable
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Moderate; high
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Moderate
POPULAR USES: Specimen tree
HUMAN HAZARDS: Irritant
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS: None

COMMENTS: Formerly known as Opsiandra maya, the maya palm requires warmth and a steady supply of moisture for best growth, but is quite tolerant of a wide range of soil types. It makes an attractive specimen despite its relatively sparse crown of ascending leaves. It will tolerate full sun, but looks best if situated in part shade. The leaflets are arranged in many planes, giving the leaves a plume-like appearance which helps offset their small number. The first inflorescences of the maya palm remain in bud for several years as the trunk continues to grow, producing additional inflorescences above them. At some point, old and young buds begin to open sequentially from oldest to youngest, with the result that maya palms usually carry flowers and fruits at the same time and at all stages of development. Maya palm does have a reputation for blowing over in high winds. Three other species of Gaussia are known, from Puerto Rico, Mexico and Cuba.