If you have any information about this plant, please help by updating this article. Once you are registered you can contribute, change, or correct the text, and even add photos on this page. Click on the edit tab above and play around. Any mistake can be easily corrected, so don't be afraid.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Mike Gray (Figure 1,2,3,4,5&6)