Chamaerops humilis - Dwarf Palm

Chamaerops humilis, also known as the Dwarf Palm or Mediterranean Palm, is the only palm tree native to Europe, specifically the Mediterranean coast, on limestone soil and rather dry. It has a compact habit, in tufts, particularly suitable for cultivation in large pots as well as gardens where space is limited. It develops a trunk covered with fibres from which emerge multiple stems bearing stiff, fan-shaped leaves. While not the most spectacular of all palms, this small palm tree will bring an exotic touch to any decor, while being one of the easiest to grow. It is a drought-resistant and salt-tolerant plant that withstands poor soils and thrives in very sunny locations.

A slow-growing shrub of the palm family, highly appreciated as an ornamental plant, the Chamaerops humilis is mainly native to Mediterranean regions. It grows spontaneously in dry habitats, on sandy or rocky soils, by the sea but also at altitude, sometimes enduring snow and rather cold temperatures in winter. In nature, this palm tree's growth is often stunted if grown in poor soil. But in the fertile soil of our gardens, it becomes a giant, with lush vegetation. The plant, referred to as clumping, produces multiple stems on a single plant, forming an upright, squat and spreading bush. Its adult dimensions will not exceed 4 m (13.1 ft) in height and 2 m (6.6 ft) in width, even less if grown in pots. The brown 'trunks' measure 25 cm (9.8 in) wide on mature specimens, and are covered with layers of fibres and leaf scars. The elegant, highly dissected leaves are composed of small, narrow, stiff, thin segments, 45 cm (17.7 in) long, and radiate from the petiole covered with numerous spines. They are bright green on the upper surface, but white underneath. This plant is generally dioecious (not always), meaning that males and females are usually distinct. The fragrant flowers appear in late spring, in the form of a spadix, surrounded by a spathe 40 cm (15.7 in) long, containing many small beige to yellow flowers, male or female. The fruits, called drupes, are oval-shaped and reddish-brown when ripe, with fibrous flesh. However, the fruit is not edible.

Along with the Trachycarpus fortunei, this dwarf palm is one of the easiest to acclimatise. In the ground, it can be placed in isolation, not far from a swimming pool for example, along with banana trees or yuccas, in an exotic-inspired setting. But this highly drought-resistant variety reveals its full potential in a dry garden or a large rockery. Although it can be tricky to place with other plants, it can nevertheless be planted in groups of 3 plants and surrounded by a carpet of thyme, a sowing of California Poppies, or a bed of Felicia. In a contemporary garden, set it above a tide of white pebbles. It will make a magnificent specimen on a terrace or balcony, planted in a carefully chosen large pot.