Pseudophoenix sargentii

A solitary palm in the Arecaceae family, it is native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Belize. A smooth, ringed trunk supports a crown of pinnate leaves and a short, waxy crownshaft. Branched inflorescences emerge among the leaves and carry small greenish-yellow flowers. The rounded or sometimes lobed fruits turn scarlet red when ripe. The species grows in coastal habitats, including rocky limestone soils, and tolerates salt spray and seasonal drought. It is Endangered in Florida, where habitat loss and removal of wild plants have greatly reduced natural populations. Photographed in Florida.