Origin
The Trachycarpus fortunei, also known as the Chinese windmill palm or fan palm, is a species of palm tree originally from central China, Burma and Northern India. This palm tree is primarily found in areas with a temperate climate. The name of the palm tree is a tribute to Robert Fortune, a Scottish botanist who brought the species to Europe in the nineteenth-century.

Characteristics
In terms of characteristics, the Trachycarpus fortunei is a hardy palm tree that can grow up to 12 meters high. Characteristic of this palm are the fan-shaped leaves, which can each be 75 to 100 cm wide. The plant also has a fibrous trunk often covered with a loose mat of fibre-like threads. The palm can produce both male and female flowers. The genders can be distinguished by the size of the flowers, with male flowers being smaller than the female ones.

Care
The Trachycarpus fortunei requires specific care to grow well. The plant likes sunlight, but also tolerates shade; it grows well in well-draining soil and needs regular watering. This palm can survive in colder climates that other palm trees cannot tolerate, although it does need extra protection in colder weather, such as a winter cover. Pruning is usually not necessary, unless to remove dead leaves. Fertilisers can be added to stimulate growth, but are not always necessary.