Palms For California

Pronunciation: KEE-lee-oh-CAR-pus CHEW-co

Common Name: none

Chelyocarpus chuco is a very under tried palm in California and still extremely rare. However, at least one young palm survived for years in Ventura county, and could still be alive now. This is a suckering, fan palm from Brazil that seems like it would very tropical needs, growing naturally in a swampy, Amazonian rainforest.

Appearance and Biology Habit: clustering with a crown of 6-12 fan leaves Height: 5' overall estimate (60' in nature) Trunk: short; multiple; covered with leaf bases; 2" thick estimate Crownshaft: none Spread: 4'-10' estimate Leaf Description: palmate; thin; floppy leaflets; leaf blades divided irregular from 1/3 to full length; bright green; shiny; 3'-5' long Petiole/Leaf bases: 2'-3' long; unarmed Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: from within leaves (may never occur in California) Fruit:

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 32F Drought Tolerance: low Dry Heat Tolerance: unknown Cool Tolerance: low Wind Tolerance: low Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: very slow Soil Preference: moist, acidic and well draining Light Requirement: filtered to partial sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: unknown Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare