Trachycarpus fortunei

Origin: Far East.

Botanical characteristics: It is an evergreen palm tree, whose single trunk is columnar, unbranched and covered with a dense net of dark fibers. It has fan-shaped leaves, composed of several segments incised up to half or more, dark green and shiny on the upper side, lighter green below. Its stalk is long, sturdy, thorny. The new leaves grow at the apex of the trunk while the lowest ones fall leaving on the stem part of the stalk. It is a dioecious plant with male and female flowers on different plants. It has inflorescence with a pendulous panicle of yellow flowers followed by clusters of ovoid blue-black fruits.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It prefers fertile, well-drained soil but can adapt to any soil. It must be sheltered from strong winds and cold. It is the only palm that resists snow and frost. It is widespread throughout the Po Valley.

Use: It is used in parks and gardens as a single plant or even in small groups. It is suitable for pots and planters. In urban greenery it is used in flowerbeds, for avenues, squares, both planted on the ground and cultivated in large pots.