Trithrinax campestris
Caranday palm
A 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. Tough, wind-resistant, grey-green leaves are divided into many narrow segments each tipped with a spine. Mature plants may produce flower clusters with up to a hundred white blooms in autumn, with yellow fruit ripening the following summer
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Yellow | ||
| Autumn | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- NC & NE Argentina to W Uruguay
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Wind-tolerant but will need protection from hard winter frosts
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at not less than 25°C
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Sub-tropical
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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