The Canary Island Date Palm is one of the most widely cultivated ornamental palms in the world. The species has enjoyed a reputation as a hardy tree that will tolerate a wide range of soil types and climactic conditions that has made it highly suitable for the Australian landscape (Jones 1989).
Not self-cleaning, so the old leaves need to be cut off. An architectural tree that also makes a good avenue tree and can help provide a Mediterranean landscape character.
Origin: Canary Islands, off north/eastern Africa
Description: Very large (to about 20m), majestic palm, with a tall, solid trunk, with a broad crown of large, arching, divided feathery leaves with spined petioles held on sturdy dark grey trunk.
Tolerances: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, grows best in full sun, well drained position. Has moderate to high drought tolerance and tolerance to frost and salt spray. Transplants easily as a mature tree. Although the species is renowned for its hardiness, it like most other plant species will suffer the effects of waterlogged or saline soils. Drought will also affect the well being of this palm species particularly in sandy soils. Zinc and nitrogen deficiencies often found in costal soils will affect the growth and appearance of the Canary Island Date Palm, as will alkaline soils. Seedlings are quite slow, but speed up considerably once they start to trunk
A significant threat to palm species in particular the Canary Island Date Palm is Fusarium wilt, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. canariensis. Fusarium wilt is a true wilt disease where plant decline and death is as a direct result of the loss of function of the water conducting cells within the plant.
Availability: Usually transplanted as a mature tree. Specialist nurseries or salvaged from older landscapes.
Reference: Jones, D. (1989), Palms in Australia. Reed
Spencer, R. (2005) Horticultural flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5, Flowering plants: monocotyledons. University of New South Wales Press Ltd.
Download printable pdf fact sheet
January 3, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Hi,
I’ve successfully had a rant at a neighbor in the process of cutting down a CIDP, the palm still stands.
Just curious how one would date (no pun intended) the tree. Its about 9m tall and trunk is >1m diameter half way up – very majestic.
Thanks
Clare
January 17, 2011 at 10:11 am
Hello Clare. Solitary palms have only one apical meristem (bud) generally located in the center of the crown immediately below the emerging central leaf spears (young leaves). If this bud is killed or severely damaged, the palm will die. Damage to the bud may not become apparent for up to 18 months following injury.
Hope this helps
regards
David Balsamo
October 10, 2011 at 9:33 pm
How do I kill/ poison one of these plants quickly?
October 11, 2011 at 9:11 am
Thanks for your query Lisa.
If you no longer want your Canary Island Date Palm, removal rather than killing the plant and leaving in situ is generally the safer option. Killing a palm will lead to its structural deterioration; falling fronds or the collapse of the entire head from an established palm can be dangerous. I suggest you contact a local arborist to arrange its removal.
Regards,
James