Cryosophila williamsii

Very showy rare palm, with the trunk has interesting look similar to burlap fabric. It is found only in Honduras and threatened by habitat loss. It is confined to a small area in west-central Honduras, restricted to steep, high-rainfall slopes of the Lago Yojoa. It is a solitary fan palm, growing up to 20 feet tall. The lower trunk bears root spines, which are characteristic for the genus.

Little is known of the natural history of this rare palm. It was formerly used for thatch and hearts-of-palm, but nowadays, it is too rare to be a useful source of thatch.

Similar plants:

• Cryosophila stauracantha, Cryosophila argentea, Cryosophila bifurcata (Rootspine Palm)