Editing Trachycarpus latisectus (section)

===General:===
Only recently described, ''Trachycarpus latisectus'',
the Windamere Palm, was previously known as
''T. 'sikkimensis''' and many thousands of seeds have been
distributed under that name, which was used as a working title but is now
invalid and should not be used. 'Latisectus' refers to the broad leaflets,
indeed one of the distinguishing characteristics of this palm, which are
around 5cm (2in) wide, very glossy, and of which there are around 70 in
total, forming a very large and leathery leaf. It has a bare trunk and its
seeds resemble those of
''T. martianus''.

Remaining in the wild in just one
tiny, heavily altered location in the Sikkim Himalayas in north-east India,
which is immediately threatened by destruction, it has only recently been
introduced into cultivation, but is about to make a huge impression in the
palm world.
 
It has large, robust, nearly circular, fan-shaped leaves like a
''Livistona''.
It sheds them naturally, leaving a smooth, slender trunk. It grows fast and
easily and withstands snow and heavy frosts, coming, as it does, from high
altitudes up to 2400m, but it is equally suitable for sub-tropical
climates.
It is so big and bold, so distinctive, so cold-hardy, and so
beautiful, it should, by rights, leave
''T. fortunei'' standing, in the
popularity stakes. Also, it is probably the only species in the genus which,
owing to its wide altitude range from 1200 to 2400 m (3950 to 7900 ft), will
adapt well to hotter regions.