52. Trachycarpus fortunei – Chinese Windmill Palm
Scientific Name: Trachycarpus fortunei
Nativity: Asia
Interesting Info:
As one of the hardiest palms, the windmill palm will tolerate winter better than any other palm species. Due to its cultivation throughout Asia for centuries, the exact native range of this palm in unknown. It is cultivated in Asia for the fibers derived from petiole bases. These fibers are used for making rope, sacks, and other cloth. Traditionally, it was used medicinally in a variety of ways. Flowers as astringents, root as a contraceptive, and fresh flowers as a food source. Today it is also cultivated for ornamental purposes, sometimes even in areas as cold as New England.
DBH: 9.4 inches