Chamaerops humilis L.
A small palm which grows as a dense, stemless clump about 1 m tall, or, as is generally the case in Gibraltar and rarely so elsewhere, with a fibrous trunk which can reach a height of 2 m or more. Leaves clustered at the top of the trunk, palmately cut into stiff, leathery, lanceolate segments up to 40 cm long. Petiole 30 to 40 cm long, spiny toothed. Flowers about 4 mm across, pale yellow, in a dense panicle. Fruit drupes 1 to 4 cm long, in clusters, at first yellow, then reddish-brown.
Local: Very common and widespread throughout most of the Upper Rock and southern areas.
Global: Found in the western Mediterranean region, including north Africa. It is the only native palm in Europe.
Flowers from (March) April to May.
Grows in rocky areas; clearings and garigue.
The underground leaf buds are edible (palm hearts) and the leaves produce a tough fibre used for rope making.