Trithrinax brasiliensis

Carandá Palm

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Taxonomy

Description

Trithrinax brasiliensis is a rugged, clumping fan palm from southern South America, loved for its stiff blue‑green fronds and spiny, sculptural trunks. Slow-growing and remarkably tough, it thrives in hot sun, wind, and poor soils, adding a wild, architectural accent to xeric and coastal landscapes.

Common Names

Carandá PalmCaranday PalmCarandaíTrithrinax Palm

Context

nativeRegion

Southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina (pampas/savanna woodlands).

usdaZones

9a–11 (8b with protection)

companionPlants

Yucca rostrata, Agave parryi, Dasylirion wheeleri, Nolina nelsonii, Lavandula spp., Nassella (Stipa) tenuissima

culturalUses

Leaves and fibers used locally for brooms, thatch, and weaving; dense, spiny clumps used as living barriers; fruits feed wildlife.

Care

Care Requirements

LightFull sun to very bright light; tolerates reflected heat and wind.

WateringDeep, infrequent watering; allow the top 40–60% of soil to dry. Drought-tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.

SoilVery well-drained, gritty mineral mix (sandy/rocky loam) with coarse aggregate; neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

FertilizerUse a palm fertilizer with micronutrients (e.g., 8-2-12+Mg) in spring and midsummer; light, infrequent feeding in containers.

HumidityLow to moderate; well adapted to arid or coastal air.

TemperatureIdeal 65–95°F (18–35°C). Cold-hardy to about 15–20°F (-9 to -6°C) when established; protect from prolonged hard freezes.

Growth & Life Cycle

HabitClumping, multi-stemmed, spiny fan palm with rigid, costapalmate leaves.

Mature Size10–20 ft (3–6 m) tall, 8–12 ft (2.5–3.5 m) wide clump over time.

Growth RateSlow-growing.

BloomingSmall creamy-yellow inflorescences in late spring to summer; followed by small round drupes.

DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows markedly in cool seasons.

Propagation

MethodsSeed, Division of rooted offsets (with great care)

DifficultyModerate

Best SeasonSpring to early summer for sowing seed or dividing offsets in warm conditions.

Maintenance & Notes

PruningRemove only dead or damaged fronds; avoid over-pruning. Wear heavy protection—petioles and leaf bases are armed with sharp spines.

RepottingFor container plants, repot every 3–4 years into a deep, well-draining mix; minimize root disturbance.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally tough; watch for scale, mealybugs, and spider mites in containers. Avoid soggy soils to prevent root/leaf spot issues; monitor for K/Mg deficiencies.

ToxicityNon-toxic to people and pets, but the sharp spines can cause injury—handle with care.

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