The population demography, population genetics and reproductive ecology of Sabal minor (N. J. Jacquin) Persoon were investigated over four years in an effort to understand the reproductive dynamics of this palm. A review of the current knowledge of palm systematics and ecology as they relate to these topics is presented to provide an appropriate context in which to interpret the results. Results from the demographic studies indicate that establishment of the seedling from fruit is the most critical stage in the life history of Sabal minor. Mortality is quite low for mature individuals; the principle cause is apparently tree or branch falls. The study population's finite rate of growth was found to be quite near unity but significant differences between the observed stage structure and the predicted stable stage structure suggest that transition matrix parameters are not consistent beyond the duration of this study. A sensitivity analysis found that changes in the probability of seedling establishment and survival of the largest stage class have the greatest effect on population growth rate. The estimated life span of Sabal minor is in excess of 250 years and may exceed 400 years Investigations of the population genetics of Sabal minor found that genetic diversity in this species is low in comparison to most seed plants. Low genetic diversity may be typical in palms or the evolutionary history of Sabal minor may include events (such as population bottlenecks) which have lowered genetic diversity. Low gene flow is indicated between populations while intrapopulation gene flow is high enough that most populations are probably panmictic. The flowers of Sabal minor were found to be slightly protogynous, to produce a small quantity of sucrose dominant nectar, and to have a pollen/ovule ratio near 1100. Wasps were found to be the principle pollinators. The rate of self-fertilization is high in S. minor (between 77 and 92%) and contributes to significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg genotypic proportions in populations. These results for Sabal minor are discussed in relation to closely related palm taxa and palm species for which similar data is available