Palms For California

Pronunciation: kar-POX-ill-on mack-row-SPER-mum

Common Name: Carpoxylon Palm

Carpoxylon macrospermum has been long thought far too tropical to even begin to think about growing in California, yet some have managed to prove all others wrong, growing this palm successfully in the 10b climates with excellent microclimates. This is considered by many palm enthusiasts to be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring palms in the world.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 8-10 feather leaves Height: 10' estimate Trunk: single; 8"-10"thick though flared near base to 16" thick; bright green; prominently ringed Crownshaft: 3' long; light green to yellow-green; about same thickness as trunk below Spread: 10'-12' Leaf Description: pinnate; strongly recurved; closely spaced upright leaflets in a 'V' orientation about 45-60 degrees; bright to deep green; 6'-8' long Petiole/Leaf bases: very short (1"-3"); unarmed; channeled Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 2' long; highly branched; white; from below crownshaft; horizontal orientation Fruit: ovoid; 2" long; red when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 34F Drought Tolerance: low Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Cool Tolerance: poor Wind Tolerance: poor Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: well draining Light Requirement: partial to full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: leaves often yellowy- cold or nutrient deficiency unknown Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare