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Acoelorrhaphe wrightii

Accession Count: 1
Common Name: everglades palm
Family Name: Arecaceae
Botanical Name: Acoelorrhaphe wrightii
Synonyms:
Botanical Synonyms: Copernicia wrightii
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics: Acoelorraphe wrightii is a clustering, evergreen palm with multiple trunks and a rounded crown (1, 2). Trunks are thin, covered with brown bark, persistent leaf bases, and fibers that fall with age (3, 4). Orange-green, spiny petioles lead to deeply cut, fan-shaped stalks that are green on top, and silver on the bottom (5, 1, 6). Leaves are palmate, induplicate, with an oblique base and entire margins (3, 7). In the spring, large inflorescences form, interfoliarly extending beyond the leaves (4). Flowers are white, urn-shaped, and clustered in groups of three (3). These develop into golden drupes that become reddish-orange, and then black when fully ripe (8).
Compound: Aco wri
Geographic Origin: Central America, Mexico, Caribbean
Ecozone Origin: Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: There has been much debate about the nomenclature of Acoelorraphe wrightii, with at least 50 synonyms being present in cultivation (9). In fact, A. wrightii is commonly misspelled as Acoelorrhaphe wrightii, being misspelled on the official Wikipedia page (10), on google (11),  and in numerous botanical journals. The official name as accepted by ITIS, Acoelorraphe wrightii, is difficult to find in cultivation (12). 
In 1866, A. wrightii was first named Copernicia wrightii by the German professor August H.R. Grisebach, and the director of the royal Herenhausen garden, Hermann A. Wendland. However, in 1879, Wendland changed the name to a generic genus, Acoelorrhaphe. It was only in 1908 that the name Acoelorrhaphe wrightii was used (13), eventually followed by the current accepted name Acoelorraphe wrightii (12). It is unknown why the h was dropped from the previous genus. 
Acoelorraphe is named for a combination of three Greek words – a, koilos, and Rhaphis – meaning without, hollow, and needle, respectively (14). The specific epithet, wrightii, is named for Charles Wright, renowned American botanist (15). 

In the past, the A. wrightii population was plentiful in its native Florida. However, the nursery trade devastated the number of species in the wild. Currently, A. wrightii is considered vulnerable and protected by Florida law, with only seed or clonal offspring being permitted in cultivation (16).
Cultivation Notes: Acoelorraphe wrightii is hardy in USDA zones 10-11 (17) and prefers full sun to partial shade (2). Soil must be kept consistently moist, allowing A. wrightii to be planted in bogs or water gardens (18). Once established, moderate drought can be survived – however, growth will be less robust (16); water frequently in dry environments. Plant A. wrightii in soil that is sandy or loamy, with a pH from neutral to slightly alkaline (17). Although a variety of soil conditions are tolerated, highly alkaline or calcareous soils are detrimental to growth (16, 4). Poorly draining and brackish soils, salt spray (2), heat, cold, and humidity are tolerated (6, 16). 
Nutrient supplementation may be needed, as A. wrightii is susceptible to manganese and potassium deficiencies and can also develop an iron deficiency from poor root aeration. Supplement with fertilizer in order to prevent poor growth (4). A little bit of pruning may be necessary in order to develop a strong structure. Additionally, suckers will form from the parent trunk. These should be removed if additional stalks are not desired (1). Propagate by seed, or by splitting the root ball (19).
Ethnobotany: Acoelorraphe wrightii is widely used in cultivation, and is excellent as a conservation buffer (2) or as a reclamation plant (1). Additionally, A. wrightii serves as food and cover for local wildlife, especially birds (2). 
Humans have utilized the leaves of A. wrightii for thatch and rope, and in construction. Cuban nurserymen use the trunks of A. wrightii as supports for climbing aroids (13). From the leaf fibers, hats and baskets can be made, while salt can be gained from the leaves and heart (20). Additionally, A. wrightii has been used for food, medicine, and in creating products (13).
Height: 20 - 50 feet
Width: 16 - 20 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season: Spring
Color: White
Function: Habitat
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: High Water Use
Citations:
 1. Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
 3. Treeware. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
 4. University of Florida. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
 5. Southern Living. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
 6. Backyard Gardener. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
 7. Identifying Commonly Cultivated Palms. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
 8. Cherrylake. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
 9. Tropicos. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
10. Wikipedia. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
11. Acoelorraphe wrightii, Google. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
12. ITIS Report. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
13. Austin, D. (2004) Florida Ethnobotany. CRC Press.
14. The Merwin Conservatory. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
15. Monaco Nature Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
16. Seedaholic. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
17. Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
18. Dave’s Garden. Retrieved April 7th, 2020.
19. Rhyne, C. (2008) Horticulture Avenues. Authorhouse.
20. Cook, S. (2016) The Forest of the Lacandon Maya. Springer.
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Acoelorrhaphe wrightii