Phoenix canariensis
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Phoenix canariensis | ||||||||
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This CIDP (Canary Island Date Palm) has been featured in many movies and television shows. Los Angeles County Arboretum, CA | ||||||||
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Native Continent | ||||||||
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Habitat and Distribution
Native to the Canary Islands, off the northwestern coast of Africa.
Description
Single-trunked, dioecious, pinnate palm to 60 feet (20 m) or more tall; exceptionally tall specimens can be up to 120 feet (40 m).
Rounded crown of dark green feather leaves to about 20 feet (6.66 m) long, with pinnae to 12" (30 cm) long closely spaced along the rachis. Like all Phoenix, P. canariensis have long, extremely sharp spines at the bases of the leaves, which are formed from modified leaflets.
Trunk is 12 - 18" (30 - 45 cm) in diameter, often with a much wider base.
Often trimmed to remove the lower leaves but leave the leaf-bases to create an "airborne pineapple" effect.
Culture
Within the limits of its hardiness, P. canariensis is adapted to more habitats and soils than almost any other palm. This, combined with its relative hardiness to cold, make them one of the most widely-planted palms on Earth. Excellent specimens can be found from London to Sydney, to Durban, and almost anywhere else with a suitable climate.
Best in Mediterranean climates, like those in Italy, Southern California, Chile, etc., P. canriensis will also grow in the tropics. Fine stalwart specimens can even be found in cool (but not cold) maritime climates like Northern Ireland, Tasmania, or San Francisco.
Curiosities
Many Special Thanks to Ed Vaile for his long hours of tireless editing and numerous contributions.