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Trachycarpus fortunei Chusan palm Evergreen tree (1 Page of 5) The Trachycarpus fortunei plant species is found in E. Asia - C. and E. China. It is a member of the Palmae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chusan palm. Some home gardeners know the variety as T. excelsus. Chamaerops fortunei. C. excelsus. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Trachycarpus fortunei Common Name: Chusan palm Family: Palmae Author: (Hook.)H.Wendl. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 12 Mature Width: 2 Habitat: Montane oak forests to 2400 metres[200].
Cultivation Notes: Requires a rich moist but well-drained soil in a sunny sheltered position[188, 231], especially from the cold drying winds of the north and east[11]. Individual leaves live for about 3 years and, if they are damaged by wind will make the plant look very shabby as well as reducing its potential for photosynthesis[231].
Hardy in the southern part of Britain, tolerating frosts down to about -10°c if the plant is sheltered from cold winds[200]. Young plants require protection during winter[11] but older plants tolerate temperatures as low as -18°c[11, 231].
A fairly slow-growing plant, though it self-sows in S.W. England[11].
Widely cultivated throughout China, Japan and S.E. Asia for the fibres within the leaf stalk[231].
Palms usually have deep penetrating root systems and generally establish best when planted out at a young stage. However, older plants are substantially more cold tolerant than juvenile plants[231]. In areas at the limit of their cold tolerance, therefore, it is prudent to grow the plants in containers for some years, giving them winter protection, and only planting them into their permanent positions when sheer size dictates[231]. Palms can also be transplanted even when very large. Although the thick fleshy roots are easily damaged and/or dessicated, new roots are generally freely produced. It is important to stake the plant very firmly to prevent rock, and also to give it plenty of water until re-established - removing many of the leaves can also help[231].
The flowers are sweetly scented[231].
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
For further Trachycarpus fortunei gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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