the genus
NANNORRHOPS

From the Greek “nannos”, dwarf, and “rhops”, bushy, in reference to the shrubby habit of the wild trees.

Subfamily: Coryphoideae
Tribe: Corypheae
Subtribe: Coryphinae

The subtribe includes 3 related genera, Corypha, Chuniophoenix and Kerriodoxa

Nannorrhops is a monotypic genus (with only one species, N. ritchiana) native to the deserts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. The Mazari Palm occurs at altitudes up to 5000 feet in generally barren habitats or arid grasslands and is extremely tolerant of cold. The stems sucker like those of the Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis). These palms are mostly low and shrubby in the wild, although cultivated plants may reach 30’ in height. At least two forms of N. ritchiana can be recognized in the wild, a green leafed variant and one with silvery gray leaves. Because of its slow growth and obscure, remote habitat, N. ritchiana remains rare in cultivation. Its remarkable cold hardiness makes it a valuable palm for gardens subject to heavy frost or snow. Nannorrhops belongs to a primitive group of palms, along with Corypha, that produce flowers from the apex of the mature stems, which then die after blooming. The fruit of the native tree is collected and eaten and the leaves serve as a source of fiber for thatching and cordage.

Culture: Nannorrhops succeeds in full sun or light shade and will tolerate extreme heat and drought. Good drainage is essential.

Nannorrhops ritchiana
Synonyms: Chamaerops ritchiana, Nannorrhops naudeniana
Common Name: Mazari Palm
Cold Tolerance: -15F (-26C) USDA Zones: 7b-11

Typical Height: 10' (range of 5'–25')Growth Rate: Slow
Habit: Clustering

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 1–10gal.

*Nannorrhops ritchiana is the most cold hardy palm known!