Description
Sabal maritima is a solitary fan palm reaching up to 20 m (66 ft) in height, typically 10-15 m (33-50 ft), with a trunk diameter of 25-40 cm (10-16 in). The trunk is gray and smooth, often covered in persistent leaf base fibers when young. The costapalmate leaves are 1.5-2.5 m (5-8 ft) wide, with rigid, strongly divided segments and a prominent costa extending into the blade. The crown is large and rounded, forming 20-30 leaves. Inflorescences are highly branched, arching outward and equal to or longer than the leaves, producing numerous small white flowers followed by black fruits 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 in) in diameter.
This species is native to Jamaica and parts of eastern Cuba, and possibly Hispaniola, where it may intergrade with Sabal domingensis. It occurs in coastal scrub, limestone hills and seasonally dry woodlands, often on well-drained, rocky or sandy soils. It is adapted to alkaline conditions, full sun, strong winds, and periodic drought.










