The Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Chinese Windmill Palm, is a popular ornamental plant, valued for its elegance and resilience. Native to the mountainous regions of central and eastern China, this palm thrives in both temperate and subtropical climates. With its slender trunk clad in brownish fibres and its broad, fan-shaped leaves, it makes a striking feature in gardens and green spaces. It can grow up to 12 metres tall, making it a true centrepiece for landscape design.
The Trachycarpus fortunei, or Chinese Windmill Palm, is particularly noted for its ability to withstand cold, enduring frosts as low as -15°C. Its hardiness allows it to adapt to a wide range of environments, from lowland areas to mountainous regions. At the Au Bois Vert botanical garden, located in Ivato near Antananarivo, this palm plays a key role in creating an exotic and refreshing atmosphere. During its flowering season, typically in spring or summer, it produces clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers, followed by dark blue or black fruits.
Ideal for gardening enthusiasts, this palm requires minimal maintenance. It flourishes in full sun or partial shade and, thanks to its tolerance for a variety of soils, it fits equally well into urban parks and botanical gardens such as Au Bois Vert, where it enhances biodiversity while providing welcome shade. Moreover, the Au Bois Vert hotel, restaurant, and lodge offer the perfect setting to enjoy the beauty of this palm in a natural, tranquil environment.
Plant use
The Chinese Windmill Palm is a versatile plant, equally at home in botanical gardens as in private or commercial landscaping projects. At Bois Vert, it is used to structure the garden pathways and to bring a tropical flair to the areas surrounding the restaurant and lodges. With its striking, majestic form, it also acts as a focal point for visitors as they explore the grounds. In hotels and restaurants across Antananarivo and Ivato, Trachycarpus fortunei is often planted to create natural shaded areas on terraces and in relaxation spaces. Its exotic appearance enhances the overall aesthetic, offering guests a truly immersive tropical atmosphere. Moreover, this palm adapts well to being grown in pots, making it a popular choice for decorating entrances and patios. It requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal solution for hospitality venues looking to provide greenery without intensive upkeep. Historically, its natural fibres were also used in China to produce ropes and mats, further testament to the plant’s remarkable versatility.
Key information
| Common name | Chinese Windmill Palm |
| Scientific name | Trachycarpus fortunei |
| Origin | Central and Eastern China |
| Natural habitat | Mountainous regions, temperate climates |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Flowering period | Spring, summer |
