Stumpy Palm

Chrysalidocarpus carlsmithii is a solitary, stout-trunked palm known in cultivation as Stumpy Palm. The species was first described from a palm grown in Hawaii after it had long circulated among growers as Dypsis 'stumpy'. It reaches about 6 m in height in the original description and is now accepted by Kew under the genus Chrysalidocarpus. ## Landscape Use Use it as a bold specimen in a warm, spacious landscape. The substantial trunk and arching pinnate leaves give it a strong vertical presence, while its mature size calls for clearance from walls and overhead structures. “Stumpy” is also used for other palms, so keep the botanical name with plant labels and orders to avoid a mistaken substitution. ## Growing Conditions Kew places the species in northeastern Madagascar's wet tropical biome. A palm grower society profile recommends sun, moist soil, and good drainage in cultivation. Provide regular water during warm weather, but do not leave the root zone waterlogged. The species is slow growing in cultivation, so site it carefully rather than planning on frequent relocation. ## Seasonal Interest Its evergreen crown and closely spaced trunk rings provide year-round structure. The species is critically endangered in the wild; choose propagated plants and do not collect from natural populations. [Kew accepts Chrysalidocarpus carlsmithii and gives its native range](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77314600-1/general-information); [the original description by Dransfield and Marcus documents the 'stumpy' identity and 6-m size](https://palms.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/vol46n1p47-51.pdf); [PACSOA distinguishes it from the other Stumpy palm and summarizes garden culture](https://www.pacsoa.org.au/wiki/index.php/Dypsis_carlsmithii). ## Maintenance Keep the growing point clear of debris and remove only fully dead fronds. Maintain even moisture in hot weather and avoid damaging the trunk or crownshaft during pruning.