Palms For California

Pronunciation: ass-truh-CARRY-um mex-ih-CAN-um

Common Name: Choco Palm

Astrocaryum mexicanum appears, so far, to be the only species of this genus that can be grown successfully in California. This palm is particularly ornamental as a juvenile with large, very tropical looking, entire leaves, looking hardly anything like the mature, relatively wispy-leaved plant with a skinny but heavily armed stem. All Astrocaryums are extremely spiny palms, and this one is no exception, so plant far from pathways. In California, this plant needs sun protection but fortunately can grow even in fairly deep shade. As the name suggests, this palm is native to Mexico, but also several other Central American countries as well.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 7-10 pinnate leaves Height: 15' Trunk: single; closely ringed with large, black, flattened, stout 1.5" spines arming each ring; 2"-3" diameter; tan Crownshaft: none Spread: 8'-12' Leaf Description: pinnate when mature; nearly bifid when immature- large, nearly entirely unsplit leaves; 4' long; arching; heavily armed with spines along underside of rachis; bright green Petiole/Leaf bases: 1' long; armed with long spines; un-split bases Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 1' long from within crown; very densely branches; creamy pale yellow-white flowers; spathe heavily armed with short, black spines Fruit: ovoid; 2" long; heavily armed with short spines

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 30F Drought Tolerance: poor Dry Heat Tolerance: poor Wind Tolerance: poor Salt Tolerance: unknown Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: moist, rich and well draining; acidic Light Requirement: full shade or filtered sun to partial sun in warm microclimates Human Hazards: extremely spiny palm all over- be very careful when even walking near this plant Disease or Horticultural Problems: unknown Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: has been grown as indoor palm, but needs high humidity Availability: rare but often available at palm specialty nurseries