About

This palm, initially consisting of a cluster of leaves but in time developing one or more spiny, fibre-covered trunks which grow very slowly to around 6m. Mature plants may produce flower clusters with up to a hundred white blooms in autumn, with yellow fruit ripening the following summer. Tough, wind-resistant, grey-green leaves are divided into many narrow segments each tipped with a spine.

About the genus

Trithrinax consist of spiny fan palms which are slow-growing but very hardy, withstanding extremes of weather conditions and poor soils. Stems are covered in thorny fibres, the strong leaves are fan-shaped and shoots are red in colour. Some varieties have large clusters of ornate yellow flowers.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typePalms, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Sub-tropical, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toNC & NE Argentina to W Uruguay

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Wind-tolerant but will need protection from hard winter frosts
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at not less than 25°C
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free
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