Phoenix canariensis

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Figure 1. P. canariensis

Synonymy:

P. macrocarpa

Common Names:

Canary Island Date Palm

Distribution & Habitat:

Phoenix canariensis is endemic to the Canary Islands where it occurs in scattered populations of varying sizes on all seven islands, with the largest populations of wild palms being found on La Gomera. It is found from sea-level up to 600 m in a range of habitats, from humid areas just below cloud forest to semi-arid areas where its presence usually indicates groundwater.

Description:

Very large (to about 20m), majestic palm, with a very solid trunk, and long feather leaves with spined petioles. Not self-cleaning, so the old leaves need to be cut off by hand (not an insignificant job on a large plant).

General:

Quite a popular plant due to its hardiness, attractiveness and speed of growth. Not suited to suburban gardens, due to its eventual large size, and spined petioles. Very good for adding a Mediterranean feel.

Culture:

Full sun, well drained position. Very hardy, and frost, salt spray, and drought tolerant. Seedlings are quite slow, but speed up considerably once they start to trunk.

Figure 2. P. canariensis

Figure 3. Looking back towards the bridge.

Figure 4. Some P. canariensis with a famous backdrop.

Figure 5. P. canariensis

Figure 6. P. canariensis crown

Contributed by:

Mike Gray (Figure 1,2,3,4,5&6)

External Links:

Kew, PalmWeb, JSTOR, Trebrown, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Images

Google, Google Images, Flickr, PACSOA Forums, PalmTalk