Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island date palm)
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Summary of Invasiveness
- Taxonomic Tree
- Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Description
- Plant Type
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- History of Introduction and Spread
- Risk of Introduction
- Habitat
- Habitat List
- Biology and Ecology
- Climate
- Rainfall
- Rainfall Regime
- Soil Tolerances
- Natural enemies
- Notes on Natural Enemies
- Means of Movement and Dispersal
- Pathway Causes
- Pathway Vectors
- Impact Summary
- Economic Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Social Impact
- Risk and Impact Factors
- Uses
- Uses List
- Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
- Prevention and Control
- References
- Contributors
- Distribution Maps
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Generate reportPictures
Top of page| Picture | Title | Caption | Copyright |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Phoenix canariensis in habitat on La Gomera, Canary Islands. December 2006. | ©A.R. Pittaway | |
| Habitat | Phoenix canariensis in habitat on La Gomera, Canary Islands. December 2006. | ©A.R. Pittaway | |
| Foliage and fruits | Phoenix canariensis, foliage and fruits. La Gomera, Canary Islands. December 2006. | ©A.R. Pittaway | |
| Fruits | Phoenix canariensis, fruits. La Gomera, Canary Islands. December 2006. | ©A.R. Pittaway |
Identity
Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Phoenix canariensis hort. ex Chabaud (1882)
Preferred Common Name
- Canary Island date palm
International Common Names
- English: Canary Island palm; Canary palm
- French: dattier des Canaries; palmier de Canaries
- Portuguese: tamareira das Canárias
Local Common Names
- Germany: Dattelpalme Kanarische
- Italy: palma delle Canarie
- Netherlands: dadelpalm Kanarische
- New Zealand: phoenix palm
EPPO code
- PHXCA (Phoenix canariensis)
Summary of Invasiveness
Top of pageP. canariensis has been widely introduced for centuries and is one of the most commonly grown and appreciated ornamental palms of the world. It has recently been noted naturalising and becoming invasive in southern California and northern New Zealand, mostly in riverine wetland and coastal habitats. Planted widely, seeds are eaten and spread by birds, and can be washed down watercourses where established. However, control is likely to prove less difficult as compared with other invasive plants.
Taxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Spermatophyta
- Subphylum: Angiospermae
- Class: Monocotyledonae
- Order: Arecales
- Family: Arecaceae
- Genus: Phoenix
- Species: Phoenix canariensis
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Top of page The Canary Island endemic palm tree Phoenix canariensis is a distinct member of the genus, even from other Macaronesian endemics such as Phoenix atlantica. It is also known to be able to hybridise naturally with Phoenix dactilifera that was introduced and is widespread in the Canary Islands (Gonzalez-Perez et al., 2004), and thus it may also hybridise with other species.Description
Top of page P. canariensis is a large palm up to 18 m tall, with a thick erect trunk up to 1.2 m in diameter and a crown occupying the upper 2.5-4.5 m. Leaves up to 1.5-1.8 m long are alternate and pinnately compound, containing lanceolate leaflets 30-45 cm long with sharp spines 5-8 cm long on the lower half of the petiole. Flowers creamy yellow-white and open from a husk-like structure that appears periodically throughout the year, being dioecious with both males and female flowers occurring on dense, hanging bunches, though on separate trees. Fruit is an orange-brown to dark purple fleshy drupe, elliptical and 1-3 cm long, occurring in hanging clusters, each containing a single large seed. Adapted from Gilman and Watson (1994).Distribution
Top of page As one of the world’s most popular ornamental palms, it is evidently much more widespread than indicated in the distribution table, and may even be cosmopolitan in sub-tropical and temperate areas. It is also recorded at higher latitudes under special protected conditions.Distribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
| Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Planted | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Asia | ||||||||
| China | Present | Introduced | Zhang and Lao, 2005 | |||||
| -Fujian | Present | Introduced | Zhang and Lao, 2005 | |||||
| Israel | Present | Introduced | Friedman, 2006 | |||||
| Japan | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | ||||||
| -Kyushu | Present | Introduced | Yoshitake et al., 2001 | |||||
| Taiwan | Present | Introduced | Liao and Chen, 1997 | |||||
Africa | ||||||||
| Egypt | Present | Introduced | Not invasive | Ferry and Gómez, 2002 | ||||
| South Africa | Unconfirmed record | CAB Abstracts | ||||||
| Spain | ||||||||
| -Canary Islands | Present | Native | Not invasive | Natural | USDA-ARS, 2008 | endemic | ||
North America | ||||||||
| USA | Present | |||||||
| -Arizona | Present | Introduced | Missouri Botanical Garden, 2008 | |||||
| -California | Present | Introduced | USDA-NRCS, 2008 | |||||
| -Florida | Present | Introduced | USDA-NRCS, 2008 | |||||
| -Texas | Present | Introduced | Harrison et al., 2002 | |||||
Central America and Caribbean | ||||||||
| Guadeloupe | Present | Introduced | Missouri Botanical Garden, 2008 | |||||
| Nicaragua | Present | Introduced | Missouri Botanical Garden, 2008 | |||||
South America | ||||||||
| Argentina | Present | Introduced | Missouri Botanical Garden, 2008 | |||||
| Bolivia | Present | Introduced | Missouri Botanical Garden, 2008 | |||||
| Colombia | Present | Introduced | Missouri Botanical Garden, 2008 | |||||
| Peru | Present | Introduced | Missouri Botanical Garden, 2008 | |||||
Europe | ||||||||
| France | Present | Introduced | Piry and Gompel, 2002 | |||||
| Greece | Present | Introduced | Elena, 2005 | |||||
| Italy | Present | Introduced | Pane et al., 2007 | |||||
| Spain | Present | Introduced | Not invasive | Ferry and Gómez, 2002 | ||||
| Yugoslavia (former) | Unconfirmed record | CAB Abstracts | ||||||
Oceania | ||||||||
| Australia | Present | |||||||
| -New South Wales | Present | Introduced | Summerell et al., 2006 | |||||
| -South Australia | Present | Introduced | Summerell and Gunn, 2001 | |||||
| -Victoria | Present | Introduced | Summerell et al., 2006 | |||||
History of Introduction and Spread
Top of pageP. canariensis was introduced to mainland Europe from the 1600s, and around the Mediterranean including North Africa and West Asia, and was introduced across the Atlantic Ocean from as early as the 1700s as an ornamental palm, first by Spanish missionaries and colonizers, such as to California, Central and South America. It has since then been widely introduced as a popular ornamental palm, to parts of Australasia, Asia and Africa.
Risk of Introduction
Top of pageP. canariensis has been designated as a Research Pest in Auckland, New Zealand, and it is on the 2006 Cal-IPC Invasive Plant Inventory for California, USA (DiTomaso and Healy, 2006). However, it is widely available as an ornamental palm, and is available as seed, seedlings, potted plants and planted stock from many nurseries and internet businesses. Risk of introduction is high, though it is likely that it may already be present in most areas having a suitable climate.
Habitat
Top of pageIn its native range on the Canary Islands, P. canariensis grows on a wide variety of soils, in areas from 200 to 600 m altitude (Santos Guerra, 1994; Morici, 1998). Where introduced, it is a common ornamental in urban and coastal areas, and has spread mainly in disturbed riverine areas, but also to a limited extent in coastal areas and wetlands, such as in southern California (DiTomaso and Healy, 2006).
Habitat List
Top of page| Category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littoral | |||
| Coastal areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) | |
| Coastal areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural | |
| Terrestrial-managed | |||
| Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) | |
| Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Natural | |
| Urban / peri-urban areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural | |
| Terrestrial-natural/semi-natural | |||
| Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) | |
| Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Natural | |
| Scrub / shrublands | Present, no further details | Natural | |
| Wetlands | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Biology and Ecology
Top of pageGenetics
P. canariensis has a chromosome number of 36, the same as that of P. dactvlifera, P. reclinata and other species thatare known to be able to hybridise with it (Beal, 1937).
Reproductive Biology
Like P. dactylifera, P. canariensis is dioecious, and may not start to produce fruit until it is at least 5-10 years old. P. canariensis is often described as anemophilous (wind pollinated), though is likely to be pollinated, at least in part, by the weevil Neoderelomus piriformis (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Derelomini)(Meekijjaroenroj, 2004). The fruit ripens in summer. It is interesting to note that this pollinator now appears to be spreading, with first records on P. canariensis from France (Piry and Gompel, 2002), and Israel, where it is also noted as an invasive species (Friedman, 2006). P. canariensis trees, especially in more humid climates.
Physiology and Phenology
It is a very slow growing tree especially in early establishment.
Associations
Various epiphytes are commonly seen growing in the crowns of large P. canariensis trees, especially in more humid climates. Organic matter tends to collect at the bases of fronds thus providing a suitable environment for such plants to grow and thrive.
Environmental Requirements
The palms are found growing on a wide variety of soils, and P. canariensis has an extensive root system for finding sub-surface water, and is also resistant to temporary waterlogging caused by sudden rains. In urban environments where P. canariensis is often introduced as an ornamental, this species can thrive in a variety of habitats and soil types (Gilman and Watson, 1994). It can withstand light frosts when mature though it is frost-sensitive as a seedling and during early establishment. It can tolerate high temperatures and salt winds. It is found in its native range from 200-600 m altitude (Santos Guerra, 1994).
Climate
Top of page| Climate | Status | Description | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| As - Tropical savanna climate with dry summer | Tolerated | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in summer) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | |
| Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate | Tolerated | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | |
| C - Temperate/Mesothermal climate | Preferred | Average temp. of coldest month > 0°C and < 18°C, mean warmest month > 10°C | |
| Cf - Warm temperate climate, wet all year | Preferred | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, wet all year | |
| Cs - Warm temperate climate with dry summer | Preferred | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry summers | |
| Cw - Warm temperate climate with dry winter | Preferred | Warm temperate climate with dry winter (Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry winters) |
Rainfall
Top of page| Parameter | Lower limit | Upper limit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry season duration | 4 | 8 | number of consecutive months with <40 mm rainfall |
Soil Tolerances
Top of pageSoil drainage
- free
- impeded
- seasonally waterlogged
Soil reaction
- acid
- alkaline
- neutral
Soil texture
- heavy
- light
- medium
Special soil tolerances
- infertile
- saline
- shallow
- sodic
Natural enemies
Top of page| Natural enemy | Type | Life stages | Specificity | References | Biological control in | Biological control on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armillaria tabescens | Pathogen | Whole plant | ||||
| Botryotinia fuckeliana | Pathogen | Whole plant | ||||
| Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae | Pathogen | Whole plant | ||||
| Metamasius hemipterus | Herbivore | Whole plant | ||||
| Parlatoria blanchardi | Herbivore | Whole plant | ||||
| Rhadinaphelenchus cocophilus | Parasite | Whole plant | ||||
| Rhynchophorus palmarum | Herbivore | Whole plant | ||||
| Trichodorus | Parasite | Whole plant |
Notes on Natural Enemies
Top of pageNoting their ability to interbreed, it is likely that many pests and diseases of the date palm (P. dactylifera) could also attack P. canariensis. In the Mediterranean region, the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Rhynchophoridae) has been recently introduced, and which has been observed attacking and severely damaging P. canariensis(Faleiro, 2006). It had already been noted as a pest of P. canariensis in Japan (Yoshitake et al., 2001). It is also reported that the giant palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) can kill recently transplanted palms or those which are injured, and the palm leaf skeletonizer (Homaledra sabalella) attacked the foliage (Gilman and Watson, 1994).
Fusarium wilt of P. canariensiscaused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.canariensiswas recorded for the first time in Australia first in South Australia (Summerell and Gunn, 2001) and later in Victoria (Summerell et al., 2006). Fusarium oxysporumhas also been seen on P. canariensis in Argentina, and it is spreading in Europe with a recent first record from Greece (Elena, 2005). Also attacking P. canariensis is the dwarf wilt Ceratocystis paradoxaobserved in Fujian, China, (Zhang and Lao, 2005), with a first report of bud rot Phytophthora palmivorain Italy (Pane et al., 2007), Ganoderma applanatum (Gilman and Watson, 1994), and a group phytoplasma causing lethal decline in Texas, USA (Harrison et al., 2002).
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Top of page Natural Dispersal (Non-Biotic)Vector Transmission (Biotic)
Intentional Introduction
Pathway Causes
Top of page| Cause | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digestion and excretion | Yes | DiTomaso and Healy, 2006 | ||
| Escape from confinement or garden escape | Yes | DiTomaso and Healy, 2006 | ||
| Flooding and other natural disasters | Yes | DiTomaso and Healy, 2006 | ||
| Nursery trade | Yes | DiTomaso and Healy, 2006 | ||
| Ornamental purposes | Yes | Yes | DiTomaso and Healy, 2006 |
Pathway Vectors
Top of page| Vector | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Yes | DiTomaso and Healy, 2006 |
Impact Summary
Top of page| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cultural/amenity | Positive |
| Economic/livelihood | Positive |
| Environment (generally) | Positive and negative |
Economic Impact
Top of pageThere is significant if unmeasured positive economic impact from sales as an ornamental plant.
Environmental Impact
Top of pageP. canariensis can produce a dense mat of seedlings and has been noted as displacing native biodiversity and in one case caused a river to change course leading to the flooding of a site of historical importance in California (DiTomaso and Healy, 2006). It has been noted as a nuisance weed along parts of the San Diego River, and has been the focus of several restoration projects in Los Penasquitos Preserve (DiTomaso and Healy, 2006). However, it is only classified as causing minor ecological impacts by California Invasive Plant Inventory (Cal-IPC, 2006).
Social Impact
Top of pageIt has a clear social value as a spectacular ornamental palm, however, it is often noted that it should not be planted in areas where children may gather such as schools, as until they reach a suitable height, the very sharp spines on the fronds can cause serious injury. P. canariensis is also a source of bronchial asthma in certain individuals, as palm fronds senesce and dry out (Blanco et al., 1995).
Risk and Impact Factors
Top of page Invasiveness- Proved invasive outside its native range
- Highly mobile locally
- Long lived
- Damaged ecosystem services
- Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
- Increases vulnerability to invasions
- Modification of hydrology
- Monoculture formation
- Negatively impacts human health
- Reduced native biodiversity
- Threat to/ loss of native species
- Competition - monopolizing resources
- Competition - shading
- Pest and disease transmission
- Hybridization
- Interaction with other invasive species
- Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately
Uses
Top of pageThe principle use is as a highly valued ornamental species, and has been successfully grown in urban areas where air pollution, poor drainage, compacted soil, and/or drought are common (Gilman and Watson, 1994). Its large stature means it is unsuitable for small gardens, and is better along avenues, in parks and in and around large open spaces such as squares, car parks, etc.
The fruit is not poisonous, but neither is it regarded as edible, being not particular tasty to very astringent, and is rarely consumed and not commercialized. Flowers are a source of bee forage in its native range.
Uses List
Top of pageEnvironmental
- Amenity
- Ornamental
Human food and beverage
- Honey/honey flora
Ornamental
- Potted plant
- Propagation material
Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
Top of pageP. canariensis is probably only second in economic importance within the genus to the date palm, P. dactylifera, though can be separated by having a thicker trunk and longer fronds. P. dactylifera is, however, also an invasive species on several Pacific islands including Hawaii, Fiji and New Caledonia and possibly also the Galapagos (PIER, 2008), and P. reclinata is invasive in Bermuda (Kairo et al., 2003).
Prevention and Control
Top of pageNo specific information has been located on best practices for controlling P. canariensis, although some control has been attempted in California and New Zealand. It is likely, however, that control would be relatively simple, by simply uprooting or hand pulling seedlings, and larger trees would be killed by felling at any height as they do not coppice.
References
Top of pageBEAL JM, 1937. Cytological studies in the genus Phoenix. Botanical Gazette, 99:400-07.
Cal-IPC, 2006. California Invasive Plant Council. http://www.cal-ipc.org/
DiTomaso J; Healy EA, 2006. Weeds of California and Other Western States. UC DANR Publ. #3488.
Ferry M; Gómez S, 2002. The red palm weevil in the Mediterranean area. Palms, 46(4):172-178.
Morici C, 1998. Phoenix canariensis in the wild. Principes, 42(2, April):85-89, 92-93.
Distribution Maps
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