Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera – Blue Mediterranean Fan Palm Seeds

Description

Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera, also known as the Blue Mediterranean Fan Palm, is a low to medium-sized, clustering fan palm forming multiple stems that typically reach 1.5-5 m (5-16 ft) in height and 15-25 cm (6-10 in) in diameter. Stems are densely clothed with persistent leaf bases and coarse fibers. The leaves are costapalmate, rigid, and strongly induplicate, up to 1 m (3.3 ft) across, with stiff segments covered in a thick glaucous wax layer that gives them a striking blue to silvery-blue coloration. This wax coating helps reflect sunlight and reduce water loss in arid conditions. The petioles are robust and armed with sharp marginal spines. The species is dioecious.

Inflorescences are short and branched, bearing small yellow flowers followed by ovoid fruits that mature to yellow-brown. This variety is endemic to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, where it grows on rocky slopes, arid plateaus, and exposed ridges, tolerating intense sun, wind, and cold.

Also known as Chamaerops humilis var. argentea