Chamaerops humilis var. argentea

blue Mediterranean fan palm

Blue Mediterranean fan palm is a very aesthetic plant commonly used as a hedge in its native range. Beyond being something pretty to look at, it is also edible and has medicinal value. Traditionally, a decoction of the leaves has been used to treat diabetes in Morocco and western Algeria, a use that has since been validated by at least one scientific study. The apical bud, also known as the “cabbage” is frequently eaten in the same areas to treat bloating, stomach pain, and constipation. In addition to the apical bud, the palm hearts and young shoots are eaten throughout the Mediterranean. The fruits, however, would be rough to eat because of their bitterness caused by high tannin content, but they can be used in medicine as an astringent.

The palm’s fronds are used in making material items such as baskets, mats, and brooms. Fibers extracted from the fronds are used to make rope and brushes. In order to make the leaf fibers softer for use in more precise applications, they are treated with sulfur when still unopened.

The bluish-gray waxy coating on the leaves serves to protect them from being burned in the intense Mediterranean sun. This coating also helps limit the amount of water lost from the leaves through transpiration. It is very well adapted to dry, sunny environments and prefers well-drained soil.