Trachycarpus latisectus - Windamere Palm

Only recently described, Trachycarpus latisectus, the Windamere Palm, was previously known as Trachycarpus 'sikkimensis'. 'Latisectus' refers to the broad leaflets, indeed one of the distinguishing characteristics of this palm, which are around 5cm wide, very glossy, and of which there are around 70 in total, forming a very large and leathery leaf. It has a bare trunk and its seeds resemble those of Trachycarpus martianus. Remaining in the wild in just one tiny, heavily altered location in the Sikkim Himalayas in north-east India, which is immediately threatened by destruction, it has only recently been introduced into cultivation, but is about to make a huge impression in the palm world.

As with other Trachycarpus, Trachycarpus latisectus requires a rich, loamy but well drained soil. Young plants are best grown under some shade.