New and Recently Introduced Bamboo Palms (Chamaedorea; Arecaceae) with Ornamental Potential

Bamboo palms (Chamaedorea; Arecaceae) include over 100 species of small, unusually diverse, understory palms with neat, green, bamboo-like stems indigenous to rain forests from Mexico to northern South America. Two species, the parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) and the bamboo palm (C. seifrizii) are among the most popular and widely grown palms for decorative use in subtropical and tropical landscapes and indoors anywhere, and several other species are sometimes found in the trade. Recent exploration in Mexico and Central America and research and evaluation in the Chamaedorea Research Collection in Los Angeles have revealed several additional species that have great ornamental promise, including C. benziei, C. frondosa, C. hooperiana, C. plumosa, and C. rhizomatosa. Some of these have been in the trade for a few years, especially in California, and are proving to be outstanding ornamentals while others are waiting to be introduced. This presentation will illustrate and discuss these species, addressing their identification, uses, and cultural requirements.