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Mediterranean Fan Palm, Chamaerops humilis

Mediterranean Fan Palm, Chamaerops humilis: Arrowhead Ranch. January 21, 2006.

Mediterranean Fan Palm, Fan Shaped Leaves	Mediterranean Fan Palm, Flower Clump
Mediterranean Fan Palm, Yellow Flowers	Mediterranean Fan Palm, Yellow Flowers
Mediterranean Fan Palm, Non-Edible Fruit	Mediterranean Fan Palm, Fruit Close Up!

Mediterranean Fan Palm Chamaerops humilis, Palm Family ( Palmae ) ( Arecaceae ), Mediterranean Fan Palm: Also Called European Fan Palm, Windmill Palm. An attractive little evergreen palm that has become very popular in recent years, mostly due to its cold hardiness, it can resist temperatures below twenty degrees Fahrenheit, it is fast growing, and drought resistant too! The European fan palm forms clumps than can grow up to 15 feet' in height. The triangular, fan-shaped leaves grow to about 20 - 24 inches long by about 24 inches wide. They are deeply divided into many segments that are themselves split at the tip and are supported on 3 - 4 foot stems. This is an extremely variable plant , the leaves range from blue-green to grey-green to yellow-green. Some plants form suckers to become very shrubby plants that may reach 15 feet in width. Other individuals can be seen that are dwarf in size, growing about 5 feet tall by 4 feet wide. It is best to remove all but a few of the suckers and to prune the leaves to form a cluster of clear-trunked "smaller" palms. The Mediterranean Fan Palm has small, bright yellow flowers that form close to the trunk hidden behind the leaf stems which are armed with very sharp teeth. These are followed in the fall by a seedy fruit which is dark yellow, orange or brown about 1 inch in diameter. This plant is native to the hot, dry hills and mountains of the Mediterranean Sea basin. Its native range extends from Africa's Atlas Mountains in Morroco to Spain and France and eastward to Turkey. With the leaves trimmed up to clear the trunk it makes a beautiful specimen plant - a delightful natural sculpture to grace your patio or entryway. Unpruned, they assume an attractive shrubby form. Use them as a screens or plant several side by side to form barriers. The European fan palm is excellent in containers and urns. And thanks to it's drought resistance and durability to heat it can thrive in harsh Arizona urban conditions. Height: 5 - 15 feet, spread (crown) 5 - 20 feet. Flowers: Its flowers, unisexual on dioecious plants, are small, whitish, fragrant, clustered in axillary spadices up to 120 cm long markedly bent downwards by their fruit weight. Blooming Time: Southern Arizona, March - April. Phoenix Area, April - May. Fruit & Seeds: The fruits, commonly known as non edible dates, are on the terminal portion of trunk, in clusters of small, 1 inch round to oval reddish brown fruit. Leaves: The leaves are fan with a narrow petiole; there are sharp teeth on the petiole; the frond color may vary, from gray to dark or yellow green. Found: Native to the Mediterranean (Europe and North Africa) . Found throughout Arizona landscaping at lower elevations. Elevation: 0 - 1,600 Feet. Habitat: Lower elevations where water is available. It grows well in sand, sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. It is remarkably tolerant of alkali. Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low. Photos Taken, January 21, 2006. In Glendale.