Palmbomen-palms Trachycarpus fortunei "Nainital" - Indian Palm

• Article number: TRAFONAIN01

Trachycarpus fortunei 'Nainital' originates from the vicinity of the Indian village of Nainital, where this palm grows at altitudes up to 2,400 meters. Previously, this species was also known as Trachycarpus takil. The species is closely related to the common fortunei but is easily recognizable when it is older. The leaves of this species are larger and the trunk appears somewhat more robust. However, the biggest difference is only visible when it is planted in the ground; the Nainital grows considerably faster and is also more winter-resistant. It is precisely for this reason that this palm is already very popular in Eastern Europe. In recent years, it has been widely planted there, but now it is beginning to find its way to the West as well.

The genus Trachycarpus comprises a number of well-known palm trees. The origin of this genus lies primarily in China and the foothills of the Himalayas. Precisely because of this origin, most plants are highly resistant to winters. Consequently, many palms have since spread throughout the world. Under the right conditions, a fortunei can grow to a height of 15-20 meters. In European gardens, however, they will remain considerably smaller. The trunk can reach a diameter of up to 30 centimeters and is formed by the base of older leaves. The rugged appearance of the trunk adds extra ornamental value to this plant. However, the greatest ornamental value lies in the leaves, which can occupy up to a square meter per leaf. Propagation of these species always takes place via seeds. A mature tree begins producing flowers when it is more than a meter tall; this can take at least 7 years. There are male and female plants, and through pollination, germinable seeds can grow on the female plants. The male plants have a yellow color, and the female plants a slightly greener color. Fertilized flowers will ripen into seeds on the flower and are then black, about a centimeter in size, and kidney-shaped.

Our special Trachycarpus varieties are all grown from seed. Our supplier is an expert in the field of palms and has been cultivating species-specifically for many years. Although it may take longer for the typical characteristics of some Trachycarpus species to manifest, we can say with certainty that we supply true to the species.

Winter hardiness zone 7a (-15ºC).