| Common name: Mediterranean Fan Palm *
Native to: Europe Southern
Mature height: 20 feet
Mature spread: 6 to 20 fe
Growth Habit: suckering
Leaf type: palmate |
photo by: Dennis Valdez
Lakeside Palmetum
Oakland |
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Description:
Chamaerops will tolerate a low temperature of 6°F. Moderate water requirements, Full sun and can tolerate shade. Has a moderate water requirement but can tolerate drought and is wind resistant too. A row planting of this can make an impenetrable fence. Originates from the Western Mediterranean Basin. The palmate leaf has stiff leaflets that grow to about 2 feet wide with thin petioles armed with sharp orange to brown spines reaching up to 3 feet long with a spread of about 6 feet for a cultivated single trunk and up to 20 feet diameter for a suckering specimen. The trunk is naturally clustering covered with old leaf bases, and dense fibers, 6 to 12 inches in diameter. The flower is dioecious. Flower stalk coming from among and under the leaves, 6 inches long. Seed germination is about 2 to 3 months and some authorities recommend dipping the seeds in sulfuric acid for 15 minutes before planting. Fruit turns brownish red when ripe around 1 inch long. Round to oval, containing butyric acid and rather foul smelling. Seed is 3/4 inches long, round to oval.
photo by: Dennis Valdez
Dick Douglas Garden
Walnut Creek |
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photo by: Dennis Valdez
Dale Motiska Garden
Vacaville |
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photo by: Dennis Valdez
Dick Douglas Garden
Walnut Creek |
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This species in the garden:
Growth rate: moderate
Sunlight: Sun to light shade
Water: moderate
Cold Tolerance: 6° F
Seed or plant availability: common
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