Phoenix canariensis

Common names

Canary Island date Palm.

Curiosities

The young leaves can be used in salads. In the native island, the so-called palm honey is produced.

Origin

Canary Islands.

Habitat

Can be found in several areas of the Canary Islands, from moist valleys to uncultivated land with subterranean water, and in some areas with seasonal flooding.

Morphology

A stout single trunk, up to 1-20 m tall. Greenish pinnate leaves, up to 6 m long, with V-shaped pinnae (a characteristic of the Phoenix). Basal leaves have sharp spines in the base of rachis. Inflorescence growing among the base of leaves. The fruit is an ovoid berry, orange and sometimes bright red in colour. Dioecious (some plants have male flowers and other have female flowers).

Climate

Original from tropical climate, can adapt to a variety of climates, from tropical to temperate. Frost tolerant. A very tough palm. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –6.8ºC (19.8ºF, USDA Zone 8b).

Germination

Keep seeds in a warm place and they will easily germinate after a few weeks.

Growing

Widely cultivated. One of the most common garden palms, used in temperate areas. Fast grower, but needs plenty of space. Cold, warm and drought tolerant. Prefers full sun and good drainage, although will also grow in poor limestone soils. Appropriate for coastal areas, because of its salinity tolerance. Can be grown inside as a youngster, tolerates indirect light and dry atmosphere.