Aiphanes minima
Macaw Palm

Despite its spiny appearance, the Macaw Palm is a popular ornamental in the tropics, usually cultivated under the name Aiphanes erosa. In the wild, it is widespread in rainforests or seasonally dry forests throughout the Caribbean. It grows a fairly slender, spiny trunk that can reach up to 18 m (60 ft.) tall, topped by a lush crown of dark green, bushy leaves. The attractive, brilliant red fruits hold edible seeds that are reminiscent of coconut. A. minima will grow in sun as well as in deep shade and is a very fast and rewarding palm mainly for the tropics.