1. Introduction

Habitat and Distribution, Native Continent

Pseudophoenix sargentii has the widest distribution of any Pseudophoenix species, occurring in Florida (USA), Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, and various Caribbean islands including the Bahamas, Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos. In Florida, it is native only to the Florida Keys, particularly Elliott Key and Long Key. The species inhabits coastal areas from sea level to 100 meters elevation, growing on limestone outcrops, coral rock, sand dunes, and coastal berms. It thrives in areas with 800-1,500mm annual rainfall, distinct wet and dry seasons, high salt exposure, and frequent hurricane disturbance. This is the only Pseudophoenix species native to the continental United States. Named after Charles Sprague Sargent, first director of Harvard's Arnold Arboretum.

Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Classification

Synonyms

• Cyclospathe northropii O.F.Cook
• Pseudophoenix vinifera var. sargentii (H.Wendl.) Chevalier
• Arikuryroba sargentii (H.Wendl.) Becc.
• Pseudophoenix floridana O.F.Cook

Common Names

• Florida cherry palm (English)
• Buccaneer palm (English - most common)
• Sargent's cherry palm (English)
• Palma kuká (Maya)
• Kuka (Yucatec Maya)
• Palmetto (Bahamas - confusing common name)
• Palma de petate (Mexican Spanish)

Expansion in the World

P. sargentii is the most cultivated Pseudophoenix species:

• Widely grown in Florida landscapes
• Common in Caribbean botanical gardens
• California coastal collections
• Hawaii cultivation successful
• Available from multiple nurseries
• Seeds regularly offered
• IUCN Red List status: Near Threatened

Success in cultivation reflects wider distribution, better seed availability, and proven adaptability.

2. Biology and Physiology

Morphology

Trunk

P. sargentii develops a solitary, smooth trunk reaching 4-8 meters (rarely to 15 meters) in height. The distinctive bottle-shaped base is pronounced, swelling to 30-50cm diameter and tapering to 15-25cm at crown level. The trunk is light gray to silver-gray with prominent, closely spaced ring scars. The swollen base is less exaggerated than P. ekmanii but more developed than P. lediniana. In exposed coastal sites, trunks often show a characteristic lean away from prevailing winds.

Leaves

The crown consists of 10-20 pinnate leaves forming an open, graceful canopy. Leaves measure 1.5-2.5 meters long with the characteristic twisted leaflets of the genus. Leaflets number 50-70 per side, irregularly arranged in clusters, each 20-35cm long and 2-3cm wide. Leaf color varies from green to blue-green with a light waxy coating. The petiole is 30-40cm long, yellow-green to orange at the base. Dead leaves are self-cleaning in most populations.

Flower Systems

Monoecious with branched inflorescences emerging from among the leaves. The inflorescence is 60-90cm long, initially enclosed in a papery, deciduous bract. Rachillae number 25-40, spreading to pendulous. Male flowers are 3-4mm, white to cream with 6-7 stamens. Female flowers are 2-3mm, greenish-white, borne singly or in pairs. Flowering occurs mainly in spring (March-May) with a secondary peak in fall. Inflorescences persist as fruits develop.

Life Cycle

P. sargentii has a moderate life cycle of 80-150 years:

• Germination to Seedling (0-4 years): Slow establishment
• Juvenile Phase (4-15 years): Trunk base begins swelling
• Sub-adult Phase (15-25 years): Rapid height growth
• Adult Phase (25-100 years): Regular reproduction
• Senescent Phase (100-150 years): Gradual decline

First flowering typically occurs at 15-25 years or when trunk reaches 2-3 meters.

Specific Adaptations to Climate Conditions

• Salt Tolerance: Exceptional coastal adaptation
• Hurricane Resistance: Flexible trunk and leaves
• Drought Tolerance: Water storage in trunk
• Limestone Adaptation: Thrives on high pH soils
• Temperature Tolerance: Widest range in genus
• Flood Tolerance: Survives brief inundation

3. Reproduction and Propagation

Seed Reproduction

Seed Morphology and Diversity

P. sargentii produces bright red to orange-red fruits, globose to slightly ovoid, 1.3-2cm diameter. The epicarp is thin and smooth; mesocarp is minimal but sweet; endocarp is thin and papery. Seeds are spherical, 1-1.5cm diameter, with homogeneous endosperm. Fresh seed weight is 1-2 grams. Morphological variation exists between populations, with Florida Keys plants producing slightly larger fruits than Caribbean populations.

Detailed Seed Collection and Viability Testing

Pre-germination Treatments

Step-by-step Germination Techniques

1. Container: Individual deep pots
2. Medium: 50% perlite, 30% peat, 20% sand
3. Depth: 2cm
4. Temperature: 28-32°C (82-90°F)
5. Humidity: 70-80%
6. Light: Bright shade
7. Bottom heat: Beneficial

Germination Difficulty

Easy to moderate - easiest Pseudophoenix to germinate.

Germination Time

• First emergence: 45-90 days
• Peak germination: 90-150 days
• Complete: Within 200 days
• Success rate: 70-90%

Seedling Care and Early Development

Advanced Germination Techniques

Hormonal Treatments for Germination Enhancement

4. Cultivation Requirements

Light Requirements

Species-specific Light Tolerance Ranges

• Seedlings (0-2 years): 500-1000 μmol/m²/s (50-70% shade)
• Juveniles (2-8 years): 1000-1800 μmol/m²/s (30-50% shade)
• Sub-adults (8-15 years): 1800-2200 μmol/m²/s (full morning sun)
• Adults: Full sun optimal (2200+ μmol/m²/s)

Very adaptable to various light conditions.

Temperature and Humidity Management

Optimal Temperature Ranges

• Ideal: 22-32°C (72-90°F)
• Acceptable: 10-40°C (50-104°F)
• Minimum survival: 0°C (32°F) briefly
• Maximum tolerance: 45°C (113°F)
• Widest temperature tolerance in genus

Cold Tolerance Thresholds

• Light damage: 5°C (41°F)
• Moderate damage: 2°C (36°F)
• Severe damage: 0°C (32°F)
• Death: -3°C (27°F)

Hardiness Zone Maps

• USDA Zones: 9a-11
• Zone 8b possible with protection
• Sunset Zones: 16-17, 19-24, H1-H2
• European: H