A unique species, since it is practically “without a trunk”, which is why it is called stemless. A slow-growing palm tree, up to 150 cm high. It grows in northern India, Bhutan and Nepal. Phoenix acaulis is found at altitudes ranging from 350 to 1500 m above sea level in scrub, savannah and pine forests.
The stem is bulbous, densely covered with persistent “stumps” at the base of the leaves, mostly remains underground and grows about 10 cm above the surface.
Leaves are up to 150 cm long, gray-green in color.
In India, the stemless palm blooms in the cold season from November to January, the fruits ripen from April to June.
The fruits are obovate, 12–18 x 8 mm, green with scarlet tops to blue-black when ripe, sweet and edible, although not very “fleshy.”
Can be grown at home or in a greenhouse.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9 (-1°C to -7°C).
Grow in a bright room where sunlight penetrates freely throughout the day. Watering is moderate, avoiding complete drying of the soil.