Phoenix canariensis

Synonymy:
P. macrocarpa

Common Names:
Canary Island Date Palm

Habitat:
Canary Islands

Description:
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).

General:
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 Mediteranean feel.

Culture:
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