Pronunciation: kam-uh-DOOR-ee-uh lin-ee-AIR-us
Common Name: Whale Tail Palm
Chamaedorea linearis is one of the largest of the Chamaedorea species with a stem nearly 2" in diameter, and growing over 30' in habitat (Central and South America). It is, however, a fairly rare species in cultivation for some reason.
Synonyms: Chamaedorea polyclada, Chamaedorea poeppigiana, Chamaedorea formosa; Chamaedorea megaphylla
Appearance and Biology
- Habit: solitary with a crown of 6-7 feather leaves
- Height: 25'
- Trunk: single; 1"-1.5" thick; medium green; ringed
- Crownshaft: 2' tall; dark green; slightly wider than stem below, but tapering near top
- Spread: 6'-8'
- Leaf Description: pinnate; flat; leaflets wide, falcate and grooved on the dorsal surface; minimal leaflet droop; 4' long; most leaves at about horizontal or just above
- Petiole/Leaf bases: 8"; medium green; unarmed
- Reproduction: dioecious
- Inflorescence: 1' long; from below crownshaft; arching to horizontal; often multiple flower spikes at one time; pale yellow flowers
- Fruit: spherical; 1/2"-1"; olive green turning to deep orange or red when ripe
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Horticultural Characteristics
- Minimum Temp: 30F
- Drought Tolerance: low
- Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate
- Cool Tolerance: moderate
- Wind Tolerance: low
- Salt Tolerance: unknown
- Growth Rate: moderate to fast
- Soil Preference: adaptable but prefers acidic, moist and well draining
- Light Requirement: filtered sun
- Human Hazards: none
- Disease or Horticultural Problems: none
- Transplants?: unknown
- Indoor?: does OK, at least as a young plant
- Availability: very rare
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