SCIENTIFIC NAME: Livistona chinensis

COMMON NAME(S): Chinese fan palm
SUB FAMILY: Coryphoideae
TRIBE: Corypheae
ORIGIN: China, southern Japan
HARDINESS ZONES: 9-11 (damaged but recovered at 24 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 25'
GROWTH RATE: Slow
HABIT: Solitary; canopy of 30-50 leaves
SALT TOLERANCE: Moderate
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: High
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Widely adaptable
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Moderate; high
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Moderate
POPULAR USES: Specimen tree
HUMAN HAZARDS: Spiny (variable)
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS: Var. subglobosa has been applied to wild forms with spherical (rather than ovoid) fruits.

COMMENTS: By far the most widely planted member of the genus, Chinese fan palm makes a slow-growing but handsome specimen, forming a wide-spreading attractive crown even as a young plant. This has even led to their use as a ground cover in landscaping, an outrageous practice since at least half of the palms will require removal as they age. The long leaf segment tips hang gracefully giving the canopy a weeping appearance. They are tolerant of relatively infertile soils, but respond favorably to good nutrition. It is probably the hardiest of the livistonas, and can withstand several degrees below freezing without any damage. Full sun is best for the Chinese fan plam; in anything more than light shade, the leaves have a tendency to 'stretch.'