Chamaerops (Arecaceae)
The genus Chamaerops consists of a single species of fan palm, often suckering to form thickets of small trees. The fibres from the leaf bases were used as a coarse substitute for horsehair, in upholstery.

Chamaerops humilis L. (Palmae) Mediterranean Fan Palm A small palm, native of the W Mediterranean region where it grows in rocky or sandy places up to 1000m or higher; large wild plants are rare but it is commonly grown in gardens. In poor soil it will stay quite small, but in good conditions it can eventually reach 5m. Trunks sometimes clump-forming, often curving. Leaf blades deeply divided, to around 70cm, glossy green or blue-green. Inflorescence short and stiff; the male flowers bright yellow, female greenish-yellow. Fruit round, yellow or orange. Drought-resistant, so it is good outside in dry areas or in containers; will also make a thick hedge.
Cultivation Easily grown in any soil.
Height to 6m (20ft); spread to 1.2m (4ft). USZ 9–11, surviving -6.5°C (20°F) of overnight frost. Tolerant of summer drought.