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CHIIT PALM

(Thrinax Radiata)

Order: Arecales | Family: Arecaceae

The Palama Chiit (Thrinax radiata), known as the hat palm or fan palm, is native to the Caribbean and Central America. It is distinguished by its fan-shaped leaves, slender trunk and average height of 10-12 meters. It is drought resistant and is found in coastal areas, dry forests and sandy soils.

Thrinax radiatta root

Root

Fibrous and extensive, the root is adapted to sandy soils, providing anchorage and efficiently absorbing water in dry conditions.

Thrinax radiatta trunk

Trunk

Slender, gray and smooth, the trunk reaches 10-12 meters, with annular scars indicating detached leaves. Adapted to sandy soils.

Thrinax radiatta leaf (1)

Leaf

Palmate, fan-shaped, the leaves are stiff and green, measuring 1-1.5 meters. Used for hats and handicrafts.

Thrinax radiata flower

Flower

Small and white, the flowers of Thrinax radiata are hermaphrodite, arranged in clusters. They attract pollinators such as bees, ensuring the reproduction of the palm.

Thrinax radiatta fruit

Fruit

The drupe is round, 1.5 cm, white to light brown. It contains one seed and is dispersed by birds.

Identification and Origin: Identification and Origin: Thrinax radiata, also known as chiit palm, is distinguished by its fan-shaped leaves and slender, smooth trunk. It is native to the Caribbean and Central America, especially in coastal areas and dry forests. This palm is common in sandy soils and adapts well to drought and saline conditions.

Height and Growth: This palm can grow up to 30 meters tall, making it one of the tallest trees in tropical regions. Its growth is rapid under ideal conditions, with a growth rate of up to 1 meter per year. The palm has considerable longevity, living between 60 and 80 years, producing coconuts for much of its life.

Thrinax Radiata tall

Geographic distribution: Thrinax radiata is found in the Caribbean, Central America, and southern Florida. It is common in Caribbean islands such as Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, as well as in coastal areas of Mexico, Belize, and Honduras.

Ideal climate: It prefers a tropical to subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity. It is drought and wind resistant, tolerating coastal conditions well.

Soil and proximity to the sea: It grows best in sandy, well-drained soils, often near the sea. It is tolerant to salinity and adapts to nutrient-poor soils, thriving in coastal areas and dry forests.

chiit palm distribution

5 Curious facts about the Chiit Palm

Thrinax radiata is known for its ability to survive hurricanes thanks to its flexible and wind resistant trunk.

The seeds of Thrinax radiata are often dispersed by fruit bats, as well as birds.

This palm is traditionally used in the construction of hut roofs and huts in some Caribbean cultures.

Thrinax radiata is one of the few palms capable of growing in coral soils, thanks to its adaptability to poor soils. 

The indigenous people of the Caribbean used the fibers from the leaves of Thrinax radiata to weave baskets and make rope.

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