Gastrococos crispa can be found in botanical gardens in many parts of the world but it is not commonly cultivated. Gastrococos is a monotypic genus (containing only one species) native to Cuba. Gastrococos crispa is a large, solitary palm of open savannas and calcareous soils with a trunk that develops a swollen midregion as the palm ages. The trunk also bears a distinctive covering of long spines, which are eventually shed. This palm produces long inflorescences with yellow flowers. The fruit are large and bright orange at maturity and are edible, often being used to feed livestock in its native country. The hollowed-out trunk of this palm has been used as a water trough or a canoe.

Coccothrinax crinita ssp. crinita This Cuban species is known as the "old man palm" for the unusual leaf sheath fibers that cover the stem. It is one of many Caribbean species in the Palmetum. Although the Garden’s collection efforts are worldwide, there is a special emphasis on Caribbean Basin species.