The Chamaedorea brachypoda is a smaller, clustering understory palm native to the wet lowland forest on the Atlantic slopes of Guatamala (near the town of Izabal) and Honduras. It spreads through underground runners, forming clonal colonies. Even so, it is critically endangered in the wild.
Much of the native forest in Izabal is gone now and Chamaedorea brachypoda is rare there due to the rise of grazing animals and agriculture. Although the plants would normally be able to re-sprout from rhizomes after being eaten by cattle, the grazers are not absent from the area long enough for the plants to grow to flowering maturity.
The name Chamaedorea is derived from the Ancient Greek words chamai, meaning “on the ground”, and dorea, meaning “gift”, in reference to easily reached fruits, or the plants’ low-growing nature. The species name brachypoda derives from the word brachy meaning short, and podo meaning foot, perhaps in reference to its rhizomatous branching stems, or short petioles.
With bifid leaves and densely rhizomatous stems, Chamaedorea brachypoda is an attractive and popular ornamental. It is found in collections of many palm enthusiasts and botanical gardens in Hawaii, California, Florida, Costa Rica, Australia, and perhaps elsewhere. Chamaedorea brachypoda is a great potted plant and can be maintained in pots for many years.
Chamaedorea brachypoda looks its best in a tropical climate. It is a superb performer in Hawaii, with specimens here forming dense, bush-like clusters several meters across with rich green leaves devoid of any yellowing or marginal necrosis or burning. On the contrary, plants in California tend to have somewhat yellowish leaves often with marginal necrosis (dead plant tissues).
Want to “virtually explore” the Merwin Palm Collection? Search through our archive of Palm Facts of the Week, featuring palms hand-planted by W.S Merwin. To search through the Online Merwin Palm Database, visit this link.
If you’re inspired to help The Merwin Conservancy preserve and care for the world-renowned Merwin Palm Collection into the future, please consider making a tax-deductible donation.