03/06/2026
Buenas Días and happy hump day!
For today, we would like to send a shout out to the Chiit Palm (Thrinax radiata) which is widely distributed throughout the Yucatán Peninsula and the Caribbean.
Ecologically, Chiit is also characteristic of the coastal forests and limestone soils of the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán. When you see one around Puerto Morelos, you’re seeing a species that has occupied the landscape for thousands of years, surviving hurricanes, droughts, and human settlement.
Historically, Chiit has played a significant role in local Mayan culture as it was, and still is, an important utilitarian plant for Maya communities throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. Unlike the sacred Ceiba, which carried religious and ceremonial significance,Chiit is reliable material used for palapas and shelter, baskets, and household items such as brooms.
In recent years, Chiit has been designated as a protected species due to its over use and slow growth rate, with a full grown tree sometimes taking 100 years to fully mature.
As a side note: With this tree, surprisingly, my wife has showed no signs of an allergic reaction, which is a win!!