 |
Phoenix
canariensis |
 |
The Canary Island Date Palm is large and massive, growing up
to 60 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. The massive trunk supports a
crown of over 50 arching pinnate leaves that may reach 18 feet long. These
leaves are dark green fading to a yellow stem where the leaflets are replaced by
sharp spikes. The trunk is covered with diamond-shaped designs that mark the
point of attachment of leaves that have dropped off. In areas of high rainfall,
like Florida, these palms are often seen with ferns growing from the old leaf
stems. The orange dates are formed on drooping, highly branched infloresences.
They are edible, but not very tasty. Although native to the Canary Islands, this
palm is now common in near frost-free climates around the world. They are grown
throughout Florida and all along the Gulf of Mexico coastline.
The upper left photo, of a young Canary Island Date Palm, was
taken in April, 2000. The upper right one, of a different tree, was taken
in June, 2000. Note the orange-colored fruit; also the sharp spikes near
the base of the stem. Both photos were taken in a residential area south
of Punta Gorda.
