Trithrinax brasiliensis aka Carana Palm

Trithrinax brasiliensis is a palm in the family Arecaceae. Its native range runs from southeastern Paraguay to southern Brazil. Common names include saro, Buriti palm, and Brazilian needle palm. Both RHS and PACSOA list Trithrinax acanthocoma as a synonym. Kew places the species in the subtropical biome. In Brazil, it grows in open forest in Rio Grande do Sul. PACSOA records it at the southern end of a mountain range. Those sites lie at 2,297–3,281 feet [700–1,000 metres] above sea level.

This small to medium-sized palm has a single trunk. A layer of woven fibres covers the stem. These fibres come away with little force as they loosen. Beneath them, old leaf bases leave a fine surface pattern. The trunk thus has two distinct textures as its covering falls. The grey-green leaves have a palmate, or fan-shaped, form. Deep cuts divide each leaf into narrow sections. Each section splits again into two long, thin tips. PACSOA places the weak spines at the apex. These spines tend to drop off soon.

The palm bears oval fruit in large bunches. The fruit is white to pale green, rather than brightly coloured. Each fruit measures about 0.05 feet [0.015 metres] long. PACSOA describes its seeds as the largest in the genus. The supplied species account gives no details about its flowers. It also gives no flowering season or information on pollination. The evidence does not establish whether people can eat the fruit. Nor does it establish the plant's safety for people or pets.

In cultivation, give this palm sun and moist, well-drained soil. PACSOA recommends soil with a slightly alkaline reaction. The species can withstand drought as well as frost. Its garden range extends from subtropical regions into temperate areas. The source gives no minimum temperature or numbered hardiness zone. Growth is slow, even at the seedling stage. A seedling may need three years to form its first palmate leaf.

Its fan leaves and textured trunk give it garden interest. Slow growth is an important part of its garden character. In the wild, forest loss, fire, and cattle grazing threaten it. These pressures concern its habitat and survival, not reported garden pests. The supplied sources name no specific pests or diseases.