Palms For California

Pronunciation: kam-uh-DOOR-ee-uh/kam-eh-doh-REE-uh coe-stah-ree-KAHN-uh

Common Name: Bamboo Palm; Costarican Bamboo Palm

Chamaedorea costaricana is one of the better of the large, clustering Chamaedoreas in terms of filling large areas in a 'wall-like' fashion, though it does best when not in full, baking sun or high, dry winds. It is one of many Chamaedoreas with the common name 'Bamboo Palm' for the obvious reason of having tall, green, ringed stems. Younger plants can sometimes be confused with Chamaedorea seifrizii and Chamaedorea pochutlensis, which is generally a more densely clustering palm with smaller stems. Also neither of those palms have ligules at their leaf bases as Chamaedorea costaricana does (see a photo below)

Synonyms: Chamaedorea quezaltica

Appearance and Biology Habit: clustering with a crown of 12-14 feather leaves on each stem Height: 10'-15' Trunk: multiple; 3/4"-1" thick; straight, green and ringed like a bamboo culm; rings fairly far apart (6"-8") Crownshaft: 6"; green; same diameter as stem Spread: 4'-15'+ Leaf Description: pinnate; flat; slight arching down; deep green; 3'-4' long Petiole/Leaf bases: 6"; slightly channeled but smooth all over; unarmed; unique ligule at leaf base makes this palm identifiable (small triangular projection at leaf base usually against the stem) Reproduction: dioecious Inflorescence: from below leaves; 2'-3' long; highly branched; yellow flowers Fruit: spherical; 1/4"; black when ripe; contain a bit of oxalates (irritants- don't eat)

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 25F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: low Salt Tolerance: low Growth Rate: moderate Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: shade to partial sun Human Hazards: mild toxicity to fruits Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: difficult as root balls get very large and complex Indoor?: good though eventually grow out of pots Availability: moderately rare only (occasionally shows up in non-specialty nurseries)