Chamaerops humilis   Mediterranean Fan Palm

Arecaceae

Slow growing tree. Maximum design height is 12-15'. Obviously good for Mediterranean climate. Branches from the bottom, dioecious like all palms. Easy to move. Palms are either palmate (like a hand) or pinnate (feather-like); the Mediterranean Fan Palm is palmate, medium green leaves are 18 to 24" long. Flowers: 1/2" yellow to orange spadix. Prefers full sun, moderate to no water. Likes loam, clay and sand. Tolerates drought, heat, wind and poor soil. Propagates by seed. Good multi-trunked tree, little pruning required. Uses: accent, barrier, container, near pools, Spanish architecture, specimen, tropical effect. Photo taken at the College of Marin.