Trachycarpus martianus aka Martius's Windmill Palm

Trachycarpus martianus is an evergreen palm in the Arecaceae family. Its native range runs from the central Himalaya to south-central China and northern Myanmar. Records also place it in Nepal and northeastern India. It grows in subtropical regions and reaches high mountain sites. In the wild, it occurs up to 7,874 feet [2,400 metres]. It often grows on limestone soils. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants For A Future gives a height of 39 feet [12 metres]. It lists a spread of about 6.6 feet [2 metres]. The same source describes its growth as slow. PACSOA shows a smooth stem in its species account. The palm keeps its leaves throughout the year. Each leaf can last about three years. Wind damage can therefore spoil its appearance for a long time. Damaged leaves also reduce the plant’s ability to capture light.

Flowers appear from August to September, according to Plants For A Future. Each plant bears either male or female flowers. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. Seed production needs both male and female plants. A lone plant cannot fertilise itself. The fruit has little flesh and little flavour. Plants For A Future records it as edible, either raw or cooked. It lists no known hazards, though this does not establish safety for every use.

Choose a sheltered site with rich soil that drains well. Keep the soil moist rather than allowing it to dry out. The palm can grow in sun or partial shade. It accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils. Mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soils all suit it. Shelter from cold north and east winds matters. Plants For A Future reports frost tolerance between −5°C and −10°C under shelter. It lists USDA zones 7–10 and notes suitability for southern Britain.

This evergreen tree can suit a sheltered woodland edge. Young plants need winter protection and tolerate less cold than older plants. Seed propagation starts with soaking or scarifying the seed. Warm conditions then help it sprout. Grow seedlings under glass through their first winter. Plant them out after the risk of frost has passed. Cold and wind exposure are the main growing problems described in the evidence.