Chamaedorea tenella

Very rare species

Native to rainforests in the Mexican states of Chiapas an Veracruz to 1000 m (3300 ft.) and in southernmost Costa Rica in the Golfo Dulce region, this tiny palmlet sports a pencil-thin stem, topped by a small crown of leathery, short-stalked, undivided leaves. It is one of the most desirable Chamaedoreas but due to the scarcity of seeds also one of the rarest in cultivation. It is not difficult to grow and does best in a protected spot in the tropical or warm temperate garden.