Botanical Name : Cryosophila argentea
Family : Arecaceae Arecaceae
Subfamily: Coryphoideae Coryphoideae
Tribe : Corypheae Corypheae
Subtribe: Thrinacinae Thrinacinae
Gender : Cryosophila Cryosophila
Species : C. C. stauracantha stauracantha
Division : Magnoliophyta Magnoliophyta
Class : Liliopsida Liliopsida
Order : Arecales Arecales
Synonyms:
*Chamaerops stauracantha Heynh. (1846).
* Acanthorrhiza stauracantha (Heynh.) H.Wendl. former Linden (1871).
*Argentea Cryosophila Bartlett (1935).
* Collinsii Acanthorrhiza OF Cook (1941).
* Bifurcata Cryosophila Lundell (1945).
Common Name :Give and Take, Rootspine Palm
Habitat :This plant is native to Mexico. Belize. Guatemala. Panama. Nicaragua. Honduras.
Description:
Cryosophila stauracantha is a frost hardy perennial evergreen palm. It grows well in semi-shade and direct sun, and prefers medium levels of water. It has low drought tolerance. This palm has all year round interest.This is a erect plant has an ultimate height of 8m / 26.2ft and spread of 4m / 13.1ft.It has green leaves. They are llanceolate in shape.
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It is a palm recognizable by their external roots stem base, and its spines branched. Leaves silvery, slender stem, long.
Medicinal Uses:
Its Creole name of “Give and Take” refers to the fact that this palm can give a very bad stinging cut from the thorns, but one can take a remedy for bleeding, infection, and pain from the inner portion of the leaf sheath and petiole. The inside part of the sheath and petiole is pink, cotton-like and sticky. It is applied to fresh wounds to staunch bleeding, prevent infection and alleviate pain. Brooms are made from young, dried leaves tied together on a slender stick.
Other Uses:
Architectural, borders, container plant, security/barrier, specimen/accent plant and tropical effect.This palms the Mayans used to catch fish . Ornamental plant , also used for covering rural housing and brooms.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider
Resources:
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_FGH.htm
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryosophila_stauracantha
http://www.plantdatabase.co.uk/Cryosophila_stauracantha