Sabal domingensis
Sabal domingensis, the Hispaniola palmetto, is a species of palm which is native to Hispaniola and Cuba.
Description
Sabal domingensis is a fan palm with solitary, very stout stems, which grows up to tall and in diameter. Plants have 20–30 leaves, each with about 90 leaflets. The inflorescences, which are branched, arching and at least as long as the leaves, bear pear-shaped, black fruit. The fruit are in diameter; fruit size and shape are the main characteristics by which this species differs from Sabal causiarum.
Common names
In English, Sabal domingensis is known as the "Hispaniola palmetto", "Hispaniola palm", or "Dominican palm". In Spanish, it is known as palma cana in the Dominican Republic, and in Haitian Creole as latanier-chapeau.
Distribution
Sabal domingensis is found from northwest Haiti to the central Dominican Republic on Hispaniola, and is also present in Cuba. It is usually found in secondary vegetation between above sea level.
Uses
The leaves are used for thatch and to weave a variety of items including hats, baskets and mats.
Etymology
The species has been given the specific epithet domingensis, as it occurs on the island of Hispaniola; the island was historically called Santo Domingo, or Saint-Domingue.