Canary Island Date Palm

The Canary Island Date Palm is found in the Mediterranean regions and in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The Canary Island Date Palm is also found in most of the regions in and around Spain. In Spanish, the palm is known as the 'Palmera Canaria'.

Canary Island Date Palm: Physical Appearance

The Canary Island Date Palm is very easy to identify as it has a very distinct appearance. A huge canopy of leaves grows on the head of the tree. The trunk of the tree is very heavy, rather thin and caterpillar-like. A diamond-shaped pattern is very prominent on the trunk. Sometimes, aerial roots also grow on the trunk, but are very close to the ground. Some of the Canary Island Date Palms also grow as tall as 60 feet.

The only drawback of the tree is that it grows very slowly. So, if you have planted one in your garden, do not expect quick results. The only thing that is important for a very young Canary Island Date Palm is that it should be taken care of, especially if it has been planted on barren land for achieving land maturity.

Scientific Facts about the Canary Island Date Palm

The Canary Island Date Palm is botanically known as Phoenix Canariensis. It belongs to the Palme plant family. The Palme family is botanically known as the Arecaceae family. The Canary Island palm is a close relative of the Phoenix dactylifera.

An average Canary Island Date Palm ranges between the height of about 10 to 20 meters. The leaves of this plant have a feather-like appearance, which is shared by the entire Palme plant family. This peculiar appearance is known as Pinnate.

The fruit of the Canary Island Date palm is oval in shape, and has a yellow to orange colored appearance. This fruit belongs to the Drupe class. A Drupe class fruit has a fleshy covering on the outside. The inner part compromises of an endocarp that holds the seed within. The size of the fruit is about two centimeters long and one centimeter in diameter. There is always a single seed within the fruit.

Canary Island Date Palms: Uses

The Canary Island Date Palm is used as a decorative plant. It is also a favorite of landscape designers. The Date Palm is planted in different ways when it is used as an ornamental plant. Sometimes it is sown in rows or in a group of other plants. If one has the patience to let the plant establish itself, then it can also be used as a centerpiece of a garden. The establishment period of this plant is very long, one needs to tend to the plant patiently till it grows to the desired height, so as to reap the benefits of a beautiful and stunning centerpiece.

It must however be noted that this plant rarely survives the pain of transplantation. Also, it must be planted in an accessible position. During the period of its growth, the Canary Island Date Palm does not look very attractive, especially if you have placed it in the very center of your garden.

New Zealand's land care research body has described the Canary Island Date Palm as a 'sleeper plant or weed'. It means that a plant that grows very slowly and also spreads at a very slow rate. As a sleeper plant, it tends to stay unnoticed till it becomes fully grown. This plant is the best option for land maturity. It is planted on barren lands to improve its quality.

Pulp can also be extracted from the fruit of the Canary Island Date Palm. The pulp is processed into palm syrup which is known as Miel de palma. It is a very delightful accompaniment for pastries, pancakes and ice creams. The flavor of the syrup is like molasses, hence it is used as a drizzling or a dressing for many sweet dishes.

The sap is many a times also converted into an alcoholic drink known as the Arrack which is very similar to rum. It is also sometimes used for medical purposes.

The Canary Island Date Palm is a wonder of nature. Though it is a sleeper weed, it can be of great use, not only for the sap but also for its beauty. It is truly a feast for the eyes.