The Mediterranean dwarf palm is the only spontaneous palmaceae in the Iberian Peninsula and in Europe, one of the few palm trees whose area of origin is not in the Tropics. In fact, it is a relic of a subtropical flora earlier to the glaciations, a representation of what it would be Europe like about 100,000 years ago. Originally from the Mediterranean, it is especially abundant in dry and sunny areas, in 1885 Cortés indicated that it was 'difficult to remove in maritime locations in the Old Kingdom of Valencia and in Seville, Cordoba and other parts of Spain'. In Andalusia it grows in warm areas from sea level to 800 meters, representing steps of regression of vegetation known as alliance Oleo-Lentiscetum, characteristic of the Mediterranean shrub. In the traditional economy the Mediterranean dwarf palm has been essential in making ropes, baskets, brooms or hats. The generic name is Latin means at ground level, and the specific name means humble for its small size.