Chamaerops humilis var. vulcano – Vulcano Fan Palm Seeds

Description

Chamaerops humilis var. vulcano is a compact, low-growing, clustering fan palm forming tight clumps of short stems that typically reach 0.8-3 m (2.6-10 ft) in height and 10-20 cm (4-8 in) in diameter. Stems are densely clothed with persistent leaf bases and coarse fibers. The leaves are costapalmate, rigid, and strongly induplicate, up to 80 cm (2.6 ft) across, deep green to dark olive in color, with stiff, short segments held in a dense, symmetrical crown. The leaf segments are shorter and more rigid than those of the typical species, giving the crown a compact and tidy appearance. Petioles are short and robust. The taxon is dioecious.

Inflorescences are short and branched, bearing small yellow flowers followed by ovoid fruits that mature to yellow-brown. C. humilis var. vulcano is a horticultural selection originating from the island of Vulcano, Italy, rather than a naturally occurring variety. It is widely grown in cultivation for its compact form, dark foliage, and excellent cold and wind tolerance, making it ideal for Mediterranean and temperate landscapes.