Chamaedorea linearis

Geoff Stein - Author & Editor

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
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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