Zombie Palm

Zombia antillarum (Desc.) L. H. Bailey

ZOM-bee-ah ant-ill-AIR-um

Arecaceae

Explanation of name: Latinized form of West African vernacular word nzambi, referring to a snake god (DAV).  Antillarum presumably refers to origin in the Antilles.

Natural range: Hispaniola, dry scrubby habitats

Recognition: Mid sized, multi-trunked, spine-bearing palm with palmate leaves. Spines pointing downward, the trunk covered with a woven mat of fibers

Landscape uses:  Slow-growing, mid sized clumping palm having the trunk covered with spines and fibers resembling a woven mat, giving the palm a striking appearance 

Internet sources: http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Zombia/antillarum.html

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Palm/Zombia_antillarum.html