Trachycarpus takil

Common names

Kumaon Palm.

Curiosities

Endangered, because the palms were cut off to take the fibres, used to make ropes and other objects.

Origin

Himalayan Mountains (Takil Mountain).

Habitat

Grows in the north side of wooded valleys.

Morphology

A palm with a single trunk up to 12 m, covered with brown fibres. Leaves around 1 m, with 45-50 slightly irregular segments, bright green above and light green below. Fruits and seeds are kidney-shaped.

Climate

Highly cold resistant, more than T. fortunei. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –10.9C (12.4ºF, USDA Zone 8a).

Germination

Growing

Tolerant to any kind of soil. Very cold hardy. Not very common in cultivation, but appropriate in Mediterranean climate.