紅棗

A truly iconic palm, formed of a bulging grey trunk which tapers towards a crown of gorgeous arching leaves, which start green and turn blue-grey as they mature.

This hardy and striking species has the widest trunk of any palm, contrasting with the sweeping feathery fronds that sit atop it. Native to Chile, Jubaea chilensis is one of the most southernly growing palms in the world.

It was named Jubaea for King Juba II, the ruler of the ancient kingdom of Numidia in North West Africa (modern day Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and some parts of Morocco) who had a great interest in botany.

King Juba II was a patron of arts and sciences, and had many scientific exploits, including naming Euphorbia after his physician Euphorbus.