Trachycarpus latisectus - Sikkim Windmill Palm

Trachycarpus latisectus, also known as the Windamere palm, was discovered about twenty years ago in a remote region of the Sikkim Himalayas. Becoming rare due to the destruction of its habitat, but easily adaptable in temperate regions, it is on the verge of conquering the hearts of collectors and the gardens of exoticism enthusiasts. This species, very different from other Trachycarpus palms, develops a single slender false trunk bearing a crown of extremely decorative large circular leaves. Slow-growing and of modest stature, it eventually forms a very attractive subject with the appearance of a coconut tree. This palm can be planted in the ground in mild climates. Elsewhere, it can be cultivated in pots and stored from November to March in an unheated conservatory or a cold greenhouse.

Trachycarpus latisectus (synonym Trachycarpus sikkimensis) belongs to the Arecaceae family. Its species name, 'latisectus', means 'with wide segments', due to the unusual width of the leaflets that make up the leaves. This palm shows slow growth in cool climates, a little faster if it lacks neither heat nor water. After 10 years, it reaches an average height of 3.5m (11ft), eventually about 10m (33ft) after many years. It develops a slender, hardly 10cm (4in) diameter, grey, ringed stipe or false trunk, which quickly loses the fibres and remnants of old leaves. At the top of this stipe, up to 20 almost circular palmate leaves develop, measuring 70cm (28in) to 1.2m (4ft) wide, divided into 70 tough segments, each about 5cm (2in) wide. The foliage is intensely green and glossy on top, more glaucous underneath. It persists in winter. Each leaf is carried by a petiole measuring 50cm (20in) to over 1m (3ft) in length, with very small teeth.

Flowering occurs in summer on mature plants. Trachycarpus palms are usually dioecious, meaning there are male plants bearing only male flowers and female plants bearing only female flowers. To obtain fruiting, it will therefore be necessary to have one plant of each sex. The rather short and highly branched inflorescences appear every year between the leaves. The abundant flowers are a beautiful bright yellow. Female Trachycarpus latisectus plants produce numerous black-violet fruits, each containing a large brown bean-shaped seed.

Trachycarpus latisectus finds its place in gardens spared by heavy frosts, where it can be placed in isolation, in the centre of a garden bed inspired by exoticism, or in groups of three plants. In a large park, it can also be planted in rows, for example in front of a non-invasive Fargesia bamboo hedge. This species likes heat in summer, and rich and well-drained but moist soils, but it dislikes winter humidity. It can tolerate brief frosts of around -9°C (15.8°F) in dry soil during winter. It prefers non-scorching sun or partial shade, and sheltered exposures, especially from cold winds. Ensure that its base is slightly shaded. When grown in a container, this palm will make a magnificent addition to a patio from April to October. It will spend the winter protected from heavy frosts.