Trachycarpus Fortuney
A species of the Aceraceae family, this tree is originally from central and Eastern China but can be found planted as an ornamental plant in all temperate zones, and it is also very common in Mediterranean countries as it is highly resistant to the both the cold and high temperatures. It can survive temperatures as low as -20º.
The trunk grows up to 12 m in height and it is covered (completely or only the top part) by the pods of the falling leaves, giving it a ‘hairy’ look. The leaves are palmate, measuring around 50 cm long by 75 cm wide and have petioles with serrated edges which are a little longer than the leaf.
It can easily be differentiated from the palmetto (Chamaerops humilis), which is a Mediterranean palm tree, also small and frequently planted in gardens, because the palmetto has a longer leaf stalk (up to three times longer than the leaf blade itself) apart from being prickly. Neither does it grow as tall as the palmera excelsa, only reaching about 5m in height. On the other hand, the Chamaerops always grows in groups while the Trachycarpus does so individually.
Resistance to cold: -20º