Palms For California

Pronunciation: kahm-uh-DOOR-ee-uh teh-peh-hee-LOW-tay

Common Name: Pacaya Palm

Chamaedorea tepejilote is a fairly commonly grown taller Chamaedorea in California. It is one of the larger species of this genus, and is either a solitary or tightly clustering species with somewhat thin, slightly pendent, ridged, falcate leaflets. It grows fairly tall which is unfortunate as in California that means it often grows out up and above its canopy, and it is not a palm that likes a lot of direct sunlight. So older palms often look a bit yellowy and ratty due to excessive sun exposure. If thinking of where to plant this nice specimen palm, it would good to plant it where it will never get full sun, or where it will only be exposed to morning sun. Prone to form arial roots in humid situations.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary or clustering with a crown of 5-8 feather leaves Height: 15'-20' Trunk: single or multiple; 2"-3" thick; bright green; prominently ringed- rings fairly close together for such a tall palm Crownshaft: 8"-10" tall; light to lime green; tapering a bit at top Spread: 5'-8'+ Leaf Description: pinnate; flat; leaflets slightly pendent; leaflets thin and lined; rachis yellowy; 3'-4' long; primarily horizontal leaves, rarely dipping below the horizontal Petiole/Leaf bases: 8"-10"; unarmed; prominent wide, pale yellow stripe along ventral surface Reproduction: dioecious Inflorescence: 1' long; upright and then pendulous; orange with age Fruit: turquoise or olive green ovoid turning spherical and black/shiny when mature; 1/2" diameter

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 28F Drought Tolerance: moderate Dry Heat Tolerance: moderate Cool Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: low Salt Tolerance: low Growth Rate: moderate to fast Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: shade to filtered light Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: sun scorch as leaves grow above canopy; spider mites can decimate indoor palms Transplants?: moderately tolerant Indoor?: performs fairly well indoors with misting and spider mite control Availability: rare