Origin
Washingtonia filifera, also known as the California palm, originates from the southwestern United States. The plant is native mainly to the desert regions of California and Arizona. It's also referred to as the fan or desert palm due to its fan-shaped leaves.

Characteristics
Characteristic of the Washingtonia filifera are its leaves that unfold like fans and sit on the crown of the tree. The trunk of the plant is robust and can reach a height of up to 30 meters. A fully grown Washingtonia filifera has a thick, fibrous bark with a row of brown, dead leaves at the base of the crown. The leaves are large, up to 3.5 meters long, and the plant has small, cream-white flowers that hang in large bunches.

Care
The Washingtonia filifera is a hardy plant and can handle dry conditions well, but it needs regular watering. It also prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. When planting, consideration should be given to the plant's eventual size to ensure enough room for growth. The plant also needs well-draining soil to prevent root rot. It is recommended to fertilise the plant during the growing season for optimal growth and development.