Trachycarpus fortunei

Trachycarpus fortunei is a species of hardy palm tree in the family Arecaceae, native to central China, southern Japan, Myanmar, and northern India. It is commonly known as the Chinese windmill palm, windmill palm or Chusan palm.

Description

Trachycarpus fortunei is a fan palm with the leaves with the long petiole bare except for two rows of small spines, terminating in a rounded fan of numerous leaflets. Each leaf is 140–190 cm long, with the petiole 60–100 cm long, and the leaflets up to 90 cm long. It is a somewhat variable plant, especially as regards its general appearance.

Distribution and habitat

Trachycarpus fortunei is native to mountainous areas of China, Myanmar, northern India, and is also found in parts of southern Japan. It is typically found in hilly, mountainous areas, on slopes and ridges, at altitudes of 100–2,400 m.

Cultivation

Trachycarpus fortunei is cultivated as an ornamental tree for use in gardens and parks. It is particularly valued for its ability to withstand cool summers and cold winters, making it popular in northern parts of the US, Europe, and Canada. It is also grown in parts of Australia and New Zealand.

Uses

The leaves are used for making hand fans, and the fibres extracted from the trunk are used for making ropes, sacks, and brushes. The seeds are ground into a powder and used as a starch substitute in traditional Chinese medicine.

See also

• List of Trachycarpus species
• Palm tree
• Arecaceae