The name Chamamaerops humilis means small or humble shrub.
In fact, this palm in its natural habitat is among the 2800 or more botanical species that are recognised today as the most northern, having a stumpy, shrub like appearance, owing to the extreme conditions in which it is usually found. |  |  |
 | | However, when cultivated it can easily surpass 3 metres in height, and form spectacular groups of a number of trunks. There are many variations as to how it grows, the thickness of the trunk, colour of the leaves, etc.
In Spain and Portugal it is called "palmito" or dwarf palm (Castillian), "palmeira-das-vasouras" or "palmeira-aná" (Portuguese) and "margalló" (Catalonian). |
As an ornamental plant, it is used a great deal in Europe: in the Iberian Peninsula, the south of France, Italy and Greece, and it can even grow in the warmer parts of the south of England, Belgium and Switzerland. It is estimated that it can tolerate temperatures as low as -10ºC (14º F).
The fruits of Chamaerops humils, commonly known as "dátiles de zorra", or "fox dates", were used in folk medicine as an astringent, and its leaves were used for making brooms, baskets and mats. | |  |
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Introduction