Trees Around the World Virtual Tour
Phoenix canariensis | Arecaceae | Canary Island date palm
Characteristics:
The Canary Island date palm is a slow growing tree that can reach heights of 50 to 60 feet. The trunk can reach a diameter of four feet and is covered with an attractive, diamond-shaped pattern from old leaf scars. This tree is native to the Canary Islands, off the coast of northeast Africa. In the mid- to late nineteenth century, the Canary Island date palm became one of the most widely cultivated ornamental palms in the world. The fruits are edible but there is very little flesh on the fruit to make it worthwhile! Palm sap is used for making palm syrup. The plant is invasive in New Zealand.
