Wallichia densiflora

Common names

Wallich's Dwarf Fishtail Palm.

Curiosities

Leaves are used for roof thatching. Fruits contain caustic material which causes burning or irritation if eaten or handled.

Origin

Himalaya.

Habitat

Tropical rainforests.

Morphology

A clustering palm, the trunks covered with a fibrous sheath. The outstanding pinnate leaves have a greyish or whitish underside. Fruits purple.

Climate

Temperate, warm. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –0.5ºC (31.1ºF, USDA Zone 10a).

Germination

The small seeds germinate with difficulty and irregularly.

Growing

Tolerates some degrees below zero, but needs a rich soil.