Windmill palm - Trachycarpus fortunei

Common Name :	Windmill palm.
Binomial Name :	Trachycarpus fortunei
Family :	Arecaceae
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Botanical Identity

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy evergreen palm belonging to the Arecaceae family. Native to central and eastern China, as well as parts of northern India and Myanmar, it was introduced to Europe and other parts of the world in the 19th century. It is named after Scottish botanist Robert Fortune, who helped bring it to Western gardens. Today, it is widely cultivated in temperate climates, admired for its tropical appearance and cold resistance.

Plant Description

This palm typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 meters, with a slender, fibrous trunk covered in a mat of old leaf bases and coarse fibers. Its fan-shaped leaves are divided into many segments, creating the characteristic windmill-like appearance that gives the tree its name. The leaves are supported by long stalks and form a crown at the top of the trunk. Trachycarpus fortunei is well-suited to cooler climates, tolerating temperatures as low as -15°C, and prefers well-drained soils in sunny to partly shaded areas.

Flowers and Fruit Characteristics

The Windmill Palm produces small yellow flowers in large, drooping clusters, typically appearing in late spring to early summer. These flowers are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. When pollinated, female trees develop dark blue to black berries, which are small and oval. While not showy or fragrant, the flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees. The fruit is not commonly consumed but adds visual interest to the plant.

Uses and Cultural Significance

Trachycarpus fortunei is highly valued in landscaping and urban planting for bringing a tropical feel to gardens, even in regions with cold winters. It is frequently used in public parks, courtyards, and ornamental gardens in Europe, North America, and East Asia. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the fibers from its trunk have been used traditionally in China to make rope, mats, and brushes. The Windmill Palm stands as a symbol of elegance and endurance, blending exotic beauty with practical resilience.

An array of Windmill palms are used to decorate the Ramna park, Dhaka.

Fruits of Windmill Palm (Not edible).

Photos of this Windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) were taken from the following locations:
1) June 2016: Ramna Park, Dhaka, Bangladesh.



Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com