Chamaerops humilis / Palma nana

Origin: Mediterranean

Botanical characteristics: It is a shrub-like palm, formed by several sections of variable height, covered by a fibrous brown textile. It has fan-shaped evergreen leaves up to 1 m long that consist of a long petioles with spiny edges and of 12-15 linear leaflets, which are light green on the upper side and covered with a whitish fuzz underneath. Male and female flowers are borne on the same plant. Panicles of yellow flowers bloom from spring to summer. The female plants produce ovoid fruits that become brown when they are ripe.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It is typical of the Mediterranean sea. It grows naturally on arid, rocky and sandy soils, even on poor ones. It does not tolerate water stagnation. It is resistant to saltiness. It is an almost rustic plant that can live up to 0° C. In cold climates it must be cultivated in greenhouses.

Use: It can be used as a single plant or in flowerbeds, also in small gardens, pots or planters.