Canary Island date Palm

Phoenix canariensis, the Canary Island Date Palm, is a species native to the Canary Islands, which can grow up to 20 metres in height. Together with the Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) and the Washington Palm (W. filifera), it is one of the three palm tree species to be found in the Alhambra. Its dense crown and straight, thick trunk makes it a beautiful tree. As it is ornamentally attractive and tolerates different soils and environments as well as being cold hardy, it is one of the most commonly used species of palm trees in gardens around the Mediterranean region. In summer, its flowers are arranged in dense orangey clusters, and in early autumn these turn into fruits, which are smaller and less pleasant tasting than those of the date palm tree (Ph. Dactylifera). This species was introduced to the gardens of the Alhambra in the early 20th century and can live for as long as two centuries.