Phoenix canariensis

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In Habitat, Canary Islands - Photo Carlo Morici
Phoenix canariensis
Pcanaryleaneye.jpg
This CIDP (Canary Island Date Palm) has been featured in many movies and television shows. Los Angeles County Arboretum, CA
Scientific Classification
Genus: Phoenix
Species: canariensis
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
Asia
Asia.gif
Morphology
Habit: solitary
Leaf type: pinnate
Height: 40-70ft
Trunk diameter: 2-3ft
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Canary Island Date Palm


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 (down to about 20 F, or __ C) 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.

While best in full sun and well-drained loamy soil, P. canariensis can tolerate a wide range of exposures, including deep shade, and a wide range of soil types, including sand and heavy clay. P. canariensis have a unique ability to tolerate both severe drought and flooding very well, which makes them ideal to plant in housing tracts in which the soil was heavily compacted.

In California, seedlings grow pinnate leaves within about a year from sprouting, and increase to full width in about 5 years, at which point they begin to form a trunk. Under ideal conditions, P. canariensis can put on about 12" (30 cm) a year, though they are usually much slower.

In climates cold enough to freeze the entire crown (such as parts of New Mexico), regrowth is slow and often stunted.

Curiosities


More than likely a male, Masonic Temple, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Island of Venizia, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Fruiting tree in Tampa, Fl.




Many Special Thanks to Ed Vaile for his long hours of tireless editing and numerous contributions.

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