A Mediterranean look in a cool climate

Robyn Freeth is the Rock, Water and Alpine Collection Curator at Dunedin Botanic Garden

Achieving a Mediterranean look outdoors in Dunedin is surprisingly easy. Many iconic plants growing well in our climate – the exclamation mark of the Italian cypress, the olive, many common herbs, and even a palm or two; enough to make you feel just a little hot and dusty.

The dwarf fan palm, Chamaerops humilis, is a slow growing and bushy tree, which has proved hardy in Dunedin. The 1m high specimen in the Dunedin Botanic Garden rock garden has survived about 18 winters, and flowers regularly. Seed is the usual form of propagation, as the very thought of dividing the spiny, hard clump is odious. However our plant does not reproduce as there is no mate in the vicinity.

Soon to be included in Dunedin Botanic Garden’s new Mediterranean collection, the palm is native to North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, Italy and Malta. It usually grows close to the coast in sandy, stony soil. This gives us a big clue about the ultimate growing conditions – well drained and sunny - and also tells us that it is drought tolerant.

Much like our cabbage tree, the young shoots may be eaten. Also, the toughness of the fibres in the leaves makes it useful for weaving, matting, brooms and rope.

With the right choice of plants, it is possible to hint at a warmer atmosphere in our cooler climate.