Difference between revisions of "Chamaedorea tepejilote"

Revision as of 07:49, 11 November 2007

Young Plant, Hawaii

Chamaedorea tepejilote
Scientific Classification
Genus: Chamaedorea Species: tepejilote
Synonyms
Stephanostachys tepejilote, Chamaedorea exorrhiza, Chamaedorea anomospadix
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Height: 20 feet/6 m Trunk diameter: 3 inches/8 cm
Culture
Sun exposure: Shade
Survivability index
MSI #4A
Common names
Pacaya palm

Habitat and Distribution

Rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America.

Description

Usually solitary trunked but a rarer clumping variety is also found. C. tepejilote has one of the fattest and tallest trunks of all the Chamaedoreas at about 3 inches/8 cm in diameter reaching heights of 20 feet/6 m or more. Green ringed trunk with white leaf base scars have visual affinities to bamboo culms, especially when planted en masse. The long, wide, tapering "S" shaped (aka falcate) leaflets fall from the rachis (or droop a bit) in a relaxed manner that just screams tropical rain forest palm. The leaflets of this species are thinner than most,with prominent striations. Though many 'bamboo-like' Chamaedoreas have a pale line along the ventral surface of the petiole, it is the most pronounced in this species, and is a characteristic that can help identify it.

Culture

This is a shade loving species. Even small amounts of direct sun will result in yellowing and burn. Plant this palm under a tall canopy as it's fast growing and often outgrows it's canopy only to expose itself to be damaged by the sun. This is a great indoor palm. As with most Chamaedoreas, fresh seed germinates readily and with high germination rates.

In southern California this is considered a moderately hardy Chamaedorea, tolerating some mild frosts down to around 28F. It does not tolerate hard freezes well, though, nor does it like intense, dry heat or winds. Shredding of the delicate leaflets is a common problem in many areas of southern California where Santa Ana winds occur.

Curiosities

The clumping variety is quite rare and sought after by collectors. The more common and readily available solitary variety can easily be multi-planted to achieve the desired effect.

Detail of the seeds.

References

• Palms Throughout the World by David L. Jones. Page 180.
• Field Guide to the Palms of the Americas by Andrew Henderson, Gloria Galeano, Rodrigo Bernal. Page 104.