Greek nannos – dwarf, rhops – shrub.

A single-species genus; for description see N. ritchieana.

Occurs in semi-arid areas, usually where ground water is accessible. Also extends into mountains above the snowline.

A very hardy palm which is slow growing. Requires sun and excellent drainage. Frost tolerant.

Fresh seed is slow and erratic. Suckers are difficult to remove and they establish slowly.

Young leaves eaten as a vegetable, fruit flesh edible; leaves are used for thatching and the fibre for weaving and rope-making.

Spineless and toothless clustering palm with branching stems, stiff green to grey-green fan-shaped leaves without hastulas, and terminal inflorescences.

1 species in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Arabian Peninsula.

Blombery & Rodd (1982), Gibbons & Spanner (1995).

Source: Jones, D; Spencer, R. (2005). Arecaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.