Chamaedorea elatior

Geoff Stein - Author & Editor

Pronunciation: kahm-uh-DOOR-ee-uh ee-LAT-ee-or


Common Name: Climbing Chamaedorea

Chamaedorea elatior is an unusual Chamaedorea and the only climbing species in the genus. It's habit is similar to some rattans, though sans spines. As a young palm, it has large, bifid leaves, and some forms retain this ornamental appearance for years before finally becoming a vining palm. The juvenile and adult plants are so unalike, it is hard to believe they are the same species. Adult palms need to climb on nearby structures, or they tend to just fall over and create a swirling mess of leaves. But even when supported, these palms can become a bit unkempt and weedy in appearance. Most grow this species as a curiosity or for interest, rather than specifically for its ornamental appeal. It is, however, a fairly easy species to grow and with some good hardiness.

Synonyms: Chamaedorea affinis; Chamaedorea montana; Chamaedorea resnifera; Chamaedorea scandens

Appearance and Biology
  • Habit: solitary (rarely clustering) with a vertical crown of up to several dozen feather leaves
  • Height: 30'+
  • Trunk: single (rarely multiple); 1/2"-3/4" thick; branching not unusual; light green to yellow green; ringed with internodes fairly well spaced (up to 8" apart); winding and twisting through vegetation or along ground; may be supporting leaves for many feet of stem
  • Crownshaft: none
  • Spread: 5'-10'+
  • Leaf Description: juvenile: large, relatively narrow bifid leaves; dark green; up to 4' long; split about 1/6-1/4 the length of the leaf; raised lines along length of leaves; adult: pinnate; 6'-8' long; flat to arching; narrow, lancelote leaflets; end of leaf the leaflets get progressively shorter and start to become oriented pointing back towards the leaf base; medium green; leaflets themselves also arching to almost curling down
  • Petiole/Leaf bases: 4"-6"; thin; unarmed; medium green
  • Reproduction: dioecious
  • Inflorescence: among leaves; about 8"-12" long; branched; stiff; upright (though upright IF the plant is growing upright at that point- stems can grow in any direction); turning orange with age; pale yellow flowers
  • Fruit: spherical; 1/2"; dark green turning black when ripe
Horticultural Characteristics
  • Minimum Temp: 26F
  • Drought Tolerance: moderate
  • Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate
  • Cool Tolerance: good
  • Wind Tolerance: moderate
  • Salt Tolerance: unknown
  • Growth Rate: slow as a bifid palm, but moderate as a pinnate palm
  • Soil Preference: adaptable
  • Light Requirement: shade to partial sun
  • Human Hazards: none
  • Disease or Horticultural Problems: sometimes difficult to keep looking neat and 'in control'
  • Transplants?: unknown
  • Indoor?: unknown
  • Availability: rare


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