Description
The attractive Chamaerops
humilis or Mediterranean fan palm has become very popular in
recent years, mostly due to its cold hardiness. Severe freezes in the
mid-eighties decimated many other more tender palm species then being
grown in central and northern Florida. Millions of dollars worth of
landscape plants were killed, creating a demand for more cold resistant
varieties that could withstand the occasional cold snap. This small fan
leafed palm fit the bill. Not only can it resist temperatures below 20°
F (-6° C) but it is fairly fast growing and drought resistant too! The
Mediterranean fan palm forms clumps than can grow up to 15 ft (4.5 m) in
height. The triangular, fan shaped leaves grow to about 20-24 in (50-60
cm) long by 24 in (60 cm) wide. They are deeply divided into multiple
segments that are themselves split at the tip and they are supported on
3-4 ft (90-120 cm) stems. This is an extremely variable plant both in
color (the leaves range from blue green to grey green to yellow green)
and in shape. Some plants form suckers more freely than others to become
very shrubby plants that may reach 15 ft (4.5 m) in width. Other
individuals can be seen that are almost dwarf growing just 5 ft (1.5 m)
tall by 4 ft (1.2 m) wide. These days it is popular to remove all but a
few of the suckers and to prune the leaves to form a cluster of clear
trunked "mini" palms (see photo).
Small, bright yellow flowers held close to the trunk are hidden
behind the leaf stems which are armed with very sharp teeth. The flowers
are followed in the fall by fruits which are dark yellow, orange or
brown, and about 0.5 in (1 cm) in diameter.
Location
Chamaerops humilis is native to the hot dry hills and mountains
of the Mediterranean Sea basin. Its native range extends from Africa's
Atlas Mountains in Morocco to Spain and France and eastward to Turkey.
Culture
The Mediterranean Fan palm is very adaptable to many kinds of well
drained soils.
Light: Mediterranean fan palm prefers bright sunny locations, but
it also does well in part shade with some direct sunlight. It will
survive in rather heavy shade but "stretches" to lose its compact shape.
Moisture: Provide adequate moisture for fastest growth. This palm
is very drought tolerant once established. It dislikes soggy soils.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8-11. Mediterranean fan palm is hardy
throughout these USDA zones. It can survive temperatures down to 10° F
(-12° C). It even survives the occasional snowfall in its native
habitat!
|
