Copernicia berteroana variation.

[Mandrew968]

During one of my other posts, Jeff Searle mentioned that he thought my Copernicia berteroana was a hybrid, as it did not look like the prototypical berteroana. This got me to go out to Fairchild and take some shots of what I believe to be two different forms, or variations of this palm from Hispaniola. I have noticed this variation for some time now. I just never got around to posting it, until now...

[Mandrew968]

Below is a picture of a stand of berteroana collected from habitat. Notice the one on the left is the standard form. The palm on the right is also berteroana but you can see the difference.

[Mandrew968]

This is the form I believe my berteroana to be; a pure species that may have been collected in a different provenance? 

[Mandrew968]

And this is again, the standard form. The boots seem to separate sooner with this one.

[Mandrew968]

Here is a closer look at the inside of the crown. The less whispy form also is more blue in color.

[Mandrew968]

And this is a similar shot from in the crown of the standard form.

[Mandrew968]

I know I see the difference and I believe I have documented that well enough, above. I welcome your comments, questions or corrections! Thanks and be well.

[Josh-O]

very interesting Andrew, I'll take some shots of mine which is only 4' tall for comparison on Monday. It seems to look like the one on the right of your first pic. it has a more upright leaf structure.

 

Thanks for posting

[aztropic]

I have 2 in my yard that I grew from seed I collected in habitat in the Dominican Republic.Both are of the right pic style...

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

[Josh-O]

10 hours ago, aztropic said:

I have 2 in my yard that I grew from seed I collected in habitat in the Dominican Republic.Both are of the right pic style...

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

looking real nice!!

[Jeff Searle]

Unlike Montgomery down the street, FTG will except palm seed from anyone, collected from anywhere if they think they need more plants. And there lies the problem. The palm pictured on the left looks identical to what you would typically see in habitat down in the DR. The other on the right just looks too different. Just my 2cents.

[Mandrew968]

1 hour ago, Jeff Searle said:

Unlike Montgomery down the street, FTG will except palm seed from anyone, collected from anywhere if they think they need more plants. And there lies the problem. The palm pictured on the left looks identical to what you would typically see in habitat down in the DR. The other on the right just looks too different. Just my 2cents.

And, Jeff, whether I learn something new or we both do, this post was to point out this difference I noticed(tag says habitat collected too). I personally think there are two different types of berteroana, but until we get DNA test kits, we might as well keep up the friendly discussion! I posted this for you, Mr. Searle. 

[Mandrew968]

I do believe I have thee purdiest berteroana in the tri-state area..