Fine leaf Palm

Chrysalidocarpus plumosus is a single-stemmed Madagascar palm with a crown of arching, feather-like leaves. It is the species grown in horticulture as the Fine Leaf Palm; Kew accepts the name and lists Dypsis plumosa as its synonym. ## Garden Use Use it as a specimen palm where the finely divided crown can be appreciated and there is room for a substantial trunk and canopy. The original species description records plants exceeding 6 m in height, so allow generous vertical clearance rather than treating this as a compact palm. ## Growing Conditions A palm-growing reference recommends full sun and reports low drought tolerance. Provide bright exposure and water before the root zone dries, with good drainage; do not assume drought tolerance from the palm’s appearance. Published sources do not establish a dependable USDA zone, so frost protection is prudent. ## Maintenance Keep the growing point intact and remove only fully dead fronds. The irregular placement of its narrow leaflets creates the airy, plume-like effect that distinguishes this species. [Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77314648-1) documents the accepted name and synonym; the original [species description in Palms](https://palms.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/v53n4p161-165.pdf) describes its habit and stature, and [Palms for California](https://www.palmpedia.net/palmsforcal/Dypsis_plumosa) supplies cultivation observations.