SCIENTIFIC NAME: Chamaedorea radicalis

COMMON NAME(S): Radicalis palm
SUB FAMILY: Ceroxyloideae
TRIBE: Hyophorbeae
ORIGIN: Mexico
HARDINESS ZONES: 9-11 (no problem at 22 degrees F), (thought to be hardy to 20 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 5' (but capable of reaching 10')
GROWTH RATE: Slow
HABIT: Often trunkless, clustering from the base, each stem with 6-8 leaves
SALT TOLERANCE: Low
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: Moderate
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Widely adaptable
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Low; moderate
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Moderate
POPULAR USES: Shrub, foliage plant
HUMAN HAZARDS: Fruit mildly irritating
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS:

COMMENTS: This often stemless and hardy Chamaedorea is becoming more widely available. It prospers in warm, shady sites in the landscape. Somewhat more open in growth than cat palm, it can be used similarly as an understory shrub in combination with other tropicals. It reportedly performs well in the interior as well. It begins to flower when quite young.