The Palmito (Chamærops humilis)

None of Mallorca’s millions of palm trees are native to the Balearic Isles, or indeed, Spain, neither the Phoenix dactylifera, nor the Phoenix canariensis, nor the Washingtonia filifera. All of these are imported palm trees to Mallorca, either from North Africa, the Canary Islands, or South America.

The Palmito (Chamaerops humilis), or Mediterranean fan palm, is Mallorca’s only truly autochthonous palm tree. It is the northernmost naturally occurring palm in the world. Chamaerops humilis is native to the hot dry hills and mountains of the Mediterranean Sea basin. Its native range extends from Africa’s Atlas Mountains in Morocco to Spain and southern France, and eastward to Turkey. The Palmito (Palmitera in Catalan, also Garballó, or Margalló) is a shrub-like clumping palm with several stems growing from a single base. The stems grow ever so slowly. 

This plant is protected in Mallorca. You’ll find it aplenty in the wild, such as in places like the Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant. The Palmito can survive fires, which is why it is abundant in some places that were effected by fires, like the peninsula of Artà. Do not attempt to dig up a Palmita growing in the wild. The plant is unlikely to survive the transfer, but even worse, you are likely to get severely punished if caught in the act. Much better to pop down to the local jardineria, where you will find the Palmito in all shapes and sizes, albeit at a price.

The leaves of the Palmito are traditionally used for basket weaving and other handmade craft objects, such as brooms, brushes, chair seats, hats, mats, ropes and fans. This traditional craft is known under the name of Llatra. You can find more information on the Llatra craft, its origins, materials, tools and products on an intriguing website, albeit done in Catalan only. 

~ by plantarium on September 13, 2008.