the
genus
GUIHAIA
From
an old name for the Chinese province, “Guangxi”
Subfamily:
Coryphoideae
Tribe: Corypheae
Subtribe:
Thrinacinae
The
subtribe includes 14 related genera such as Trachycarpus,
Rhapidophyllum, Chamaerops,
Thrinax, Rhapis.
 *Guihaia
argyrata has been known
to survive temperatures as low as 12F.
Guihaia
is a small genus that contains two species native to
southern China and Vietnam. In the wild these palms
grow in crevices on limestone hills or in rocky woodlands
in regions of rugged “karst” topography.
They are mostly dwarf, shrubby plants with dark green
palmate leaves that look like a smaller, neater version
of a Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum
hystrix) when viewed from above, but often show
a striking silvery tone when examined from beneath.
Guihaia is dioecious, with
flowers on separate male and female palms. The trees
grow slowly, developing short furry trunks that may
sucker or remain solitary, eventually reaching about
3 feet in height. Their dark green, fan-shaped leaves
make Guihaia species especially
handsome garden palms and a beautiful choice for container
plantings. Because these palms have only recently been
introduced into cultivation, they remain rare collector’s
pieces. The species has proven hardy to at least 180F
(-80C). HCI is one of the only places in the entire
U.S. where this palm is offered.
Culture:
Guihaia performs best in full
or partial shade. Established plants will tolerate moderate
drought and flooding.
 Guihaia
argyrata
Common Name: Silver Back Fan Palm
Cold Tolerance: 18F (-8C) USDA
Zones: 9-11
Typical
Height: 3'-4' Growth Rate:
Very Slow
Habit: Clustering
Status:
In Stock
Available Range: 7–25gal. 2’–3.5’OA
Guihaia
grossefibrosa
Common Name: Guangxi Palm
Cold Tolerance: 18F (-8C) USDA
Zones: 9-11
Typical
Height: 3'-4' Growth Rate:
Very Slow
Habit: Clustering
Status:
In Stock
Available Range: 7–15gal. 2’–3’OA
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