The Palmito (Chamaerops humilis) is the only truly autochthonous palm tree in Mallorca. None of Mallorca’s millions of other palm trees are native to the Balearic Isles, or indeed, Spain, neither the Phoenix dactylifera, nor the Phoenix canariensis, nor the Washingtonia filifera. These latter ones are all imported palm trees to Mallorca, over the years, either from North Africa or from the Canary Islands.

The Chamaerops humilis is a shrub-like clumping palm with several stems growing from a single base. The stems grow ever so slowly. This plant is protected in Mallorca. You’ll find it aplenty in the open wildlife of Mallorca, but do not attempt to dig one up. The plant is unlikely to survive the transfer, but even worse, you are likely to get severely punished if caught in the act. Much better to pop down to your local jardineria, where you will find the Palmito in all shapes and sizes, albeit at a price. 

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: September 2nd, 2008. The time was 14:47:27.