PlantFiles: Potato Chip Palm, Veracruz Palm
Chamaedorea tuerckheimii

THis is one of the most sought after Chamaedoreas as they are unique and very ornamental. It is called the potato chip palm since it has deeply ridge leaves the shape of a Ruffles Potato Chip. There are two distinct varieties, one from Mexico and one from Guatemala. The latter is the more well known form- it has blue-green very stiff leaves and a thin border of white around the margins of the leaves. It looks just like a green potato chip. The other slightly larger variety from Mexico has more mottled lime-green leaves and (to me) is more attractive. Both are fastidious palms disliking heat, low humidity, tap water or extreme cold. Any of those situation usually results in severe brown tipping of the leaf ends making the palm look ratty. These are wonderful palms for group plantings in shady, moist warm gardens.