Chamaerops

Chamaerops Overview

Chamaerops is a genus with only 1 accepted palm species, C. humilis. This genus is thus termed monotypic. The sole species is known by multiple names, including the Mediterranean Dwarf Palm and the European Fan Palm. It grows in a creeping fashion, usually no higher than 5m and spreads through underground rhizomes. This species is interesting in that its half-hardy, an unusual trait for palm species. Thus is may be grown effectively in temperate conditions and it has been bred to produce different cultivar varieties. Flowers are delicate, small, usually yellow and produced densely on short spikes amongst the leaf bases.