Ruffle Palm, Chonta Palm


Scientific Name: Aiphanes aculeata Willd.
Synonyms: Aiphanes caryotifolia
Aiphanes aculeata
Size: Up to 25 feet (9 m) 10 feet in diameter (3 m)
Min. Temperature: 28°F (-2°C)
Water Requirements: Regular water
Sun Requirements: Light shade
Origin: West Indies
Leaf: Pinnate, Triangular leaflets looking similar to the fishtail palm. Outer edges appear ruffled effect. The leaflets are arranged irregularly along the leaf. spiny.
Trunk: No crownshaft, Silvery tan ringed with grooves. 4-5 inches in diameter (10-12 cm).
Flower: Fragrant creamy flowers. F. Flower stalk coming from among the leaves, much longer than the leaves. The pendulous clusters of red fruit are very ornamental..
Fruit: Bright red, occasionally orange or cream.. 0.75 inch in diameter (2 cm). round, edible..
Seed: Round, pitted.

This is one of the most frequently encountered tree in the genus. Most parts of this palm tree are covered with 2-3 inches long black spines.

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