What tree is topped by a liberty cap on Haiti's flag coat of arms?

The tree topped by a liberty cap on Haiti’s flag coat of arms is a palm tree.

More precisely, Haiti’s constitutional description refers to a palmiste, commonly rendered in English as a royal palm. The palm rises behind a trophy of weapons, flags, cannons, anchors, and other military equipment. A liberty cap sits above it, symbolizing freedom and independence.

The emblem’s imagery reflects Haiti’s successful revolution and independence from France in 1804. Its motto, “L’Union fait la Force” (“Unity makes strength”), appears on a ribbon beneath the trophy. The coat of arms was introduced in the early independent state and has appeared in its current form since 1986.

A common mix-up is confusing the palm with an olive tree, since olive branches often symbolize peace and appear on many national emblems. Haiti’s palm is a distinctive national symbol, while the civil version of the Haitian flag omits the central coat of arms altogether.