the
genus
CHAMAEROPS
From
the Greek “chamai” on the ground,
and “rhops” bush, a reference to
the mostly shrubby habit of this palm.
Subfamily:
Coryphoideae
Tribe: Corypheae
Subtribe:
Thrinacinae
The
subtribe includes 14 related genera such as Trachycarpus,
Rhapidophyllum, Thrinax,
Rhapis, etc ...
Chamaerops
is a monotypic genus (containing only one species, Chamaerops
humilis) with several varieties native to southern
Europe (Italy, Sardinia, Spain) and North Africa (Morocco).
Wild trees also grow on the island of Malta, but may
have been introduced in ancient times. Chamaerops
inhabit rough, rocky terrain along the Mediterranean
and ranges up to 3500 feet in elevation in the mountains
of Morocco. In some high elevation populations the palms
are regularly exposed to hard frost and snow cover.
These are splendid palms for gardens and are well loved
for their compact habit, hardiness, and resistance to
drought. Chamaerops is one
of only two genera of palms native to Europe, the other
being the genus Phoenix, represented
by the Cretan Date Palm, Phoenix
theophrasti, a rare native of Crete and Turkey.
Culture:
Chamaerops humilis succeeds
in full sun or light shade and will tolerate extreme
heat and drought. Good drainage is essential. Note:
This is the northernmost growing palm in the world in
its native habitat, athough not the most cold hardy.
 Chamaerops
humilis
Common Names: Mediterranean Fan Palm,
European Fan Palm
Cold Tolerance: 10F (-12C)
USDA Zones: 8-11
Typical
Height: 15'
Growth Rate: Slow
Habit: Usually clustering, but solitary
forms occur; canopy of 15–30 leaves
Status:
In Stock
Available Range: 15–300gal. B&B
1–12 Trunks 1.5’–10’CT
Chamaerops
humilis v. cerifera
Common Name:
Morrocan Blue Fan Palm
Cold Tolerance: 10F (-12C)
USDA Zones: 8-11
Typical
Height: 10'
Growth Rate: Slow
Habit: Usually clustering, but solitary
forms occur; canopy of 15–30 leaves
Status:
In Stock
Available Range: 3–25gal. 1’–
3’CT
C.
humilis var. cerifera, the most recent new cultivar,
has emerged as a particular delight, with its striking
gray-blue foliage.
Other
cultivars of Chamaerops:
C. humilis var. elegans, C.
humilis var. conduplicata, C.
humilis var. tenuifrons
(all occasionally available)
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