Chrysalidocarpus malcomberi

Chrysalidocarpus malcomberi is a huge feather palm endemic to the moist forests of the Andohahela massif in the far south-east of Madagascar. It can reach 25 m, with a brown, ringed trunk, a swollen, waxy, bright green crownshaft up to 2 m long and six to eight enormous plumose leaves arranged in three vertical ranks.

It is rare in cultivation, and its smooth trunk, long waxy crownshaft and huge leaves make mature trees well suited to avenues, parks and large gardens.

Formerly known as Dypsis malcomberi.

At a glance

• Native range: south-eastern Madagascar
• Mature size: 15–25 m
• Growth rate: described as fast in the seed trade; growers' experience is mixed
• Cold hardiness: rated for USDA zone 10a (about −1 °C)
• Indoors / outdoors: an outdoor palm for avenues, parks and large, mild gardens

Care

Growers in coastal southern California report plants passing their winters without damage. Give it room to develop its three-ranked crown, and protect young plants from frost.

Why Palmpedia: Grown in our greenhouse in Almeirim, Portugal, and supplied in 15 L to 35 L pots.