Accession Count: 2

Nannorrhops ritchieana

Common Name: Mazari palm
Family Name: Arecaceae
Botanical Name: Nannorrhops ritchieana
Synonyms:
Botanical Synonyms: : Chamaerops ritchiana, Nannorrhops arabica, Nannorrhops naudiniana, Nannorrhops stocksiana
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics: The Mazari palm is a rare, slow-growing, clustering palm native to desert regions of southwestern Asia. It typically grows to 2–6 m (6–20 ft) tall and may spread even wider (1, 2). Stems may be aerially branched, a rare trait among palms, and individual stems are monocarpic, dying after flowering but replaced by basal offshoots (1, 2). This shrubby palm lacks a crown shaft, and stems may remain at or below ground level, giving it a mound-like form (1). Leaves are costapalmate, fan-shaped, and range from glaucous-green to silvery-grey, with 20–30 leaflets measuring 30–120 cm (1–4 ft) each (1, 2). Petioles are unarmed and typically 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) long (1, 2). Inflorescences are open panicles 1.2–1.8 m (4–6 ft) long, bearing white flowers; the species is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants (1, 2, 3). Fruits are small, round, edible drupes 1.3 cm (½ in) in diameter, brown to orange in color, and containing a single seed (1, 2).
Compound: Nan rit
Geographic Origin: Middle East
Ecozone Origin: Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: Nannorrhops ritchiana is the only species in its genus,  is distributed across arid regions from southeastern Arabia through Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to northwestern India, and typically grows at elevations up to 1600 m (5300 ft) (1). It thrives in sparsely vegetated deserts with shallow water tables that offer continuous subsurface moisture (3). Although appearing shrublike, its rare aerial branching and monocarpic life cycle make it morphologically unique among palms (1). Despite its arid native habitat, it can adapt to various soil types and climates, including high rainfall zones such as southern Florida (1, 2).
Cultivation Notes: Mazari palm is among the most cold-hardy palms, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C to -20°C (5°F to -4°F), making it suitable for USDA zones 6b-11 (1, 2). It prefers full sun,  tolerates partial shade, and thrives in well-drained soils across a wide pH range  from 6.1 to 8.5 (1). It grows best in dry climates, where it can withstand both extreme heat and cold, especially when soils remain dry in winter (1). Seedlings are sensitive to overwatering and rot easily, but mature specimens are resilient (1, 2). Growth is slow unless accelerated with consistent water and fertilizer during warm seasons (2). Propagation is by seed, though germination is slow and erratic,  making propagation by division of clumps sometimes necessary (1, 2). Palms establish best when young, and mature transplants should be staked and watered heavily until re-established (3).
Ethnobotany: Mazari palm has several traditional uses. The fruits, leaves, and young inflorescences are edible, though detailed preparation methods are not documented (3). Young leaves and buds are reportedly consumed (3). Medicinally, the leaves are used as a purgative and to treat dysentery and diarrhea, mainly in veterinary contexts (3). No significant hazards are known, and it is considered safe for general and ornamental use (3).

Height: 16 - 20 feet
Width: 6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season: Spring
Flower Season: ForeSummer
Color: White
Function: Accent
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Low water Use

Citations:

<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">1.<span lang="EN" style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">   <span lang="EN" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif">Palmpedia<span lang="EN" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">, Retrieved April 1, 2025<o:p></o:p>

<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">2.<span lang="EN" style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">   <span lang="EN" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;"> All About Palm Trees<span lang="EN" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">, Retrieved April 3, 2025<o:p></o:p>

<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">3.<span lang="EN" style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">   <span lang="EN" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;"> Plants For a Future<span lang="EN" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">, Retrieved April 6, 2025<o:p></o:p>

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Nannorrhops ritchieana