Palms For California

Pronunciation: kam-uh-DOOR-ee-uh hoop-er-ee-ANN-uh

Common Name: none

Chamaedorea hooperiana was named after Louis Hooper, one of the premiere palm growers in California. It is an elegant clustering, bamboo-like species and one of the best of this form of Chamaedorea for California gardens. Instead of simply erupting out of the ground as in most of the other taller, clustering species, the stems of this species tend to gently arch away from a central point. This makes for a less compact and more delicate look in the garden or pot. It is otherwise a very easy and moderately fast growing palm, best for partial sun to filtered light situations.

Appearance and Biology Habit: clustering with a crown of 5-6 feather leaves per stem Height: 12'-13' Trunk: multiple; 3/4"-1" thick; arching away from central point; dark green; ringed with rings having step-like shape Crownshaft: 6"-8" tall; light green; base larger than stem below, but tapering toward the top Spread: 5'-8'+ Leaf Description: pinnate; flat; arching; leaflets relatively wide spread, narrow and long; medium to deep green; 3' long Petiole/Leaf bases: 6" long; light green; unarmed Reproduction: dioecious Inflorescence: 1' long; many branched; orange with age; upright; within leaves Fruit: spherical; 1/4"; green turning to black when ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 25F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Cool Tolerance: excellent Wind Tolerance: poor Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: moderate Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: shade to partial sun near coast Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: tolerant Indoor?: good choice Availability: rare