If there are two palm trees that are really known to all, those are the Date Palm and the Canary Island Palm. Both are grown in a wide variety of climates, from tropical to temperate. An adult specimen of either of these two species makes the garden look very elegantly decorated, because its long pinnate leaves, its stylized trunk and its small but precious inflorescences have an incomparable ornamental value.
However, we can often have many problems to differentiate them, since they are so similar that, especially when they are young, it is difficult to know which is one and which is the other. But we don't have to worry 🙂. Next we will know what are the differences between the date palm and the canary palm tree so that, from now on, we know how to recognize them.
What is the Date Palm like?
To make it much easier, we are going to see the characteristics of each one, starting with the date list. Is it is a multicaule (multi-stemmed) plant native to North Africa and West Asia. It is one of the few palm trees that we can find in the oases, but we can also see the occasional isolated specimen in the areas closest to the desert.
Its growth rate is very fast. If the conditions are right, it can take a pace of 30-40cm / year until reaching a height of 30 meters, with a very slender trunk whose thickness does not usually exceed 30cm. It is crowned by bluish-green pinnate leaves.
Unlike the canary, its fruits, dates, are edible, which is the main reason why it is grown. In addition, as it begins to do so relatively early (at 12 years old) and produces them in such quantity, it is difficult that there is not one in the lovers' gardens. date holders 🙂.
It resists the cold until -10ºC.
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What is the Canary Island Palm tree like?
The Canary Island Palm It is an autochthonous plant of Spain, specifically from the Canary Islands. It is a somewhat more ornamental species if possible than the date, since has a greater number of leaves that are green, a thicker trunk (can be up to 1m in diameter) and a bearing without equal.
Although it grows up to 20 meters in height, it is used as an urban plant, decorating the avenues and promenades, well palm tree roots are shallow. In addition, due to its growth rate, slower than that of the previous species, it is usually kept in a pot for several years.
The fruits, although they are not toxic to humans, they are little appreciated. However, cattle love it. But if you feel like trying something from this plant, you can make a delicious salad with the newest leaves.
It can withstand frosts of up to -15ºC.
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We hope that now it will be easier for you to differentiate them, but if you have doubts, do not hesitate to consult.
Hi, I really like your page and I'll always consult it because it gives me more security because of your knowledge on the subject.
Let's see in my plot I have two palm trees that are different and I don't know which is the date or edible one.
My parents sowed them 30 years ago. Where they are, they do not do much and now I am in the painful task of transplanting them.
Is it possible to send you a photo and you can tell me which is the edible?
It would help me a lot. And thank you.
Hello Lola.
Sure, you can send us some photos through our Facebook.
Regards!
My doubt is that if the dates of all the palm trees that grow in the urban area are edible, I have one and I always let the fruit go to waste, right now I see these images and I will dare to eat one, but are there inedible dates?
Hello Iracema.
It depends on the type of palm tree. Those of the Phoenix canariensis they can be eaten, but they are not as good as those from the date market. Those of the Phoenix reclines they also taste good, although this is not widely grown.
There are really no palm trees that produce toxic fruit. If there are some that with its fruits alcoholic beverages are made, such as those of the areca catchu, but it only grows in areas with a tropical climate.
Greetings.
If I have a date palm 1 meter from some cypress trees with a dropper, this can remove the
Water or nutrients? At about 6 meters I have fruit trees and ornamental trees, can it cause you inconvenience?
Thank you
Hello david.
Let's see, not take them away as such, but that some competition can be created between the cypresses and the palm tree, yes. And it is normal. It happens in all gardens. This does not mean that one or the other will dry out, since the palm tree does not have invasive roots, it is simply that they may "fight" a little between them, and that this causes them to grow a little less than they would if they were alone .
Regarding the trees, no, don't worry. Six meters is fine.
If I told you… hehehe I have a mini jungle 5 meters wide by 10 meters long, many palm trees, several trees that are going to get big. And nothing happens.
Another thing would be if you had for example a Ficus or an elm, or some tree with invasive roots.
Regards!
Very good information, I had a date shovel, but the weevil destroyed it. I plan to plant a Canarian palm tree, my doubt which of the 2 grows faster.
Hello Ruth.
Thanks. It's a shame that the weevil kill the palm trees 🙁
Regarding your doubt, what it has is that the date bank can be difficult to start, but it is somewhat faster than the canary. There is not much difference either, but based on my experience, the date palm produces more leaves per year than the Canary Island.
Greetings.