Description
Sabal causiarum, commonly known as the Puerto Rican hat palm or the Puerto Rican palmetto, is a robust palm that can reach heights of 12–18 meters (40–60 feet). It has a thick, smooth, gray trunk that can grow up to 60 centimeters (2 feet) in diameter. Its crown is composed of large, fan-shaped fronds that are blue-green and measure 1.5-2 meters (5-7 feet) wide. This palm produces small, creamy-white flowers on branched inflorescences, followed by round, black fruits.
Native to Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, the Puerto Rican hat palm thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun. It is highly drought-tolerant and wind-resistant, making it suitable for coastal and arid landscapes. This palm can withstand cold temperatures down to about -10°C (14°F).