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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-arid,
semi-humid,
semi-humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
high (5000 ppm)
Hardiness
:
-6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
palms
Height
:
6 m-18 m
Spread
:
7 m-15 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
bright yellow
Size
:
10 cm - 100 cm
Period
:
February - June
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
drupe(fleshy/
juicy)
Fruit size
:
1.5 cm - 2.3 cm
Toxicity
:
inedible, fruit
The Canary Island Date Palm, native to the Canary Islands, is a relative of Phoenix dactylifera,
the true date palm. The difference between the two is easily recognized by Canary Island Date
Palm’s crown of dark green fronds (P. dactylifera has blue-green fronds) and the pineapple shape
of the short, thick trunk (P. dactylifera is tall and straight). P. canariensis is widely planted as an
ornamental plant, particularly in areas with a Mediterranean climate. It is often seen in Arriyadh,
where the difference goes unnoticed, except by botanists. It is less frost- and drought-tolerant
than P. dactylifera. It is a large-spreading, densely branched palm, up to 18 metres tall and 15 m
wide. The glossy green leaves are pinnate, with sharp spines along the lower part of the stem. Fruit
is produced on female palms as an oval, yellow to orange drupe containing a single seed, and
is of poor quality. A slow-growing tree requiring full sun, it is frost-tolerant to –7°C for only a
short period. P. canariensis prefers a rich, moist, alluvial, sandy soil: salinity tolerance is medium.
Irrigation requirements are moderate. Propagation is by seed. Many pests attack this palm: giant
palm borer weevils, leaf skeletonisers and scale. It is also susceptible to lethal yellowing, fusarium
and ganoderma fungal diseases. The high maintenance of this palm involves trimming to enhan-
ce its appearance: they are often ‘pineappled’ to stop fronds from touching cars or pedestrians, as
well as clearing fruit litter. It is best planted along roads and in parks.
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Phoenix canariensis,
Arecaceae
Canary Island Date Palm