Chamaerops humilis - Dwarf Fan palm
Valenciano: Margalló ; Spanish: Palmito
Often bushy because of grazing, only in inaccesible places or in cultivation
with a tall trunk that is covered with grey or whitish fibres. Leaves clustered
at the top with a circular fan-shaped blade.
The leaf fibres are used as padding and in making brooms, baskets,mats, hats
etc. The leaf buds are eaten as a vegetable. The dates, which are edible are
very rich in tannins and have been used in popular anti-diarrhoea medicines.
It is also appreciated as an ornamental plant
(Collins Photoguide to Wild Flowers - Schonfelder 1990; Plantas Silvestres de
la Comunidad Valenciana - Stubing & Peris - 1998)