Trachycarpus nanus

Common names

Yunnan Dwarf Palm.

Curiosities

Origin

South Western China, in Yunnan.

Habitat

Open slopes and forests.

Morphology

A dwarf palm, usually seen as acaulescent, while in habitat it has a subterranean trunk. The crown has 5 to 20 palmate leaves, divided almost to the base, light silvery or bluish-grey above and light green below. The erect inflorescence is almost as long as the petioles. The dead leaves persist and hang as a curtain covering the fibrous trunk. Fruits and seeds are kidney-shaped, typical of this genus (except T. martianus y T. latisectus)

Climate

Subtropical to temperate. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –13.9ºC (7ºF, USDA Zone 7b).

Germination

Germination percentage is good, but seeds need a dormancy period of some months.

Growing

Cold tolerant. Leaves appearance depends on growing conditions. Plants growing in shade have green leaves, while those growing in full sun have rigid, greenish-blue leaves.