Trithrinax acanthocoma or buriti-palito

[Alberto]

Trithrinax acanthocoma is a rare palm in nature in southern Brazil. In my state Paraná it appears wild only in a few municipalities, like Laranjeiras do Sul. It is also a very rare sight in parks and gardens and years ago, even totally absent in nurseries. Nowadays you can find them easier wit a bit of luck. On the other side, the chinese Trachycarpus fortunei, that here are also called "buriti" in nurseries, are one of the the most common palms. Both palms show some superficial similarities, but my humble opinion is that Trithrinax acanhocoma are a A LOT more beatifull then the commonly grown Trachycarpus fortunei palms.  The bigger, stiffer and round leaves are a lot more attractive. Depending on the provenance they can be green or more silver green, specially the abaxial side of the leaves.  My first buriti-palito palm I saved from the chainsaw 24 years ago. It was growing in a garden in the neighbouring city of Ponta Grossa and where it would be removed because of new construction. The owner gave it to me. Later I cultivated palms from seeds, bought several others from different origins. Now I have +- 25 buriti-palito growing in the garden and in and the side of my araucaria forest. 

 

 

 

[idontknowhatnametuse]

I thought the name "buriti" only corresponded to Mauritia flexuosa. Are all fan palms called like that?

[Fusca]

48 minutes ago, Alberto said:

Trithrinax acanthocoma are a A LOT more beatifull then the commonly grown Trachycarpus fortunei palms.  The bigger, stiffer and round leaves are a lot more attractive.

I agree 100%!  While I believe that Trachycarpus fortunei look good in the Pacific Northwest and cooler places I much prefer the look of Trithrinax acanthocoma even compared to the best looking Trachycarpus.  I've never seen such a tall specimen as the one in your first photo!  I have one planted here that I grew from seed 6 years ago but it's still rather small.  Looking forward to seeing it grow!

[Alberto]

53 minutes ago, idontknowhatnametuse said:

I thought the name "buriti" only corresponded to Mauritia flexuosa. Are all fan palms called like that?

The tupi-guarani ( indian) names of the Trithrinax acanthocoma are " carandaí" and " buriti" or "buriti-palito".  Copernicia alba is also called "carandá" .  Yes, in Brazil Mauritia flexuosa is called "buriti".  Buriti-rana ( in tupi-guarani it means: "similar to buriti") is the name of Mauritiella armata. 

[tim_brissy_13]

Agree with everything you’ve said Alberto. Seems under appreciated and it’s one of those palms you can spend a long time looking closely at in detail. Fronds, trunk and inflorescences all mesmerising.