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Canary Island Date Palm

Phoenix canariensis hort. ex Chabaud

The Canary Island Date Palm has tall, slender trunks and big, feathery leaves. It’s like a tropical paradise!

Habitat: Coastal areas and gardens

Appearance

The Canary Island Date Palm has a thick, rough trunk adorned with unique diamond patterns from old leaf bases. It supports a magnificent crown of numerous arching, feather-like fronds. Its small, round fruits turn yellow-orange when ripe.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderArecalesFamilyArecaceaeGenusPhoenix

Canary Island Date Palm

Interesting facts

Its crown can have over 100 giant, feathery leaves, making it look super grand!

The rough diamond patterns on its trunk are scars left by old, fallen leaves!

They are often trimmed into a unique "pineapple top" shape in gardens and parks!

Though called "date palm," its small, orange dates are not as sweet as true dessert dates.

Special abilities

Canary Island Date Palm can thrive with little water thanks to adaptations that store moisture and reduce evaporation.

Canary Island Date Palm has a thick, fibrous trunk that helps protect its vital core from mild fires.

Canary Island Date Palm has a dense canopy of fronds that provides extensive shade, cooling its surroundings.

Measurements & details

Height: 10-20 m
Canopy Spread: 5-10 m
Is Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 80-100 cm
Lifespan: 80-150 years
Fruit Type: Drupe
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Evergreen

Ecological connections

eats

Spotless Starling

Sturnus unicolor

Feeds on the ripe fruits of the palm.

eats

Black Rat

Rattus rattus

Consumes the dates, often climbing the palm.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits the flowers to collect nectar and pollen.

shelters

Madeira Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus maderensis

Roosts among the dense fronds for protection.

Traits

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fruit Bearing

These amazing plants develop fruits, which often contain seeds and are sometimes delicious treats for us or wildlife. They're nature's way of spreading new life!

Drought Tolerant

These clever plants are superstars at saving water, thriving even when it's dry and sunny with very little rain. They're nature's resourceful friends!

Oil Crop

Learn about special plants grown for their seeds or fruits, from which we can get healthy oils used for cooking, fuel, and other products.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.