Phoenix roebelenii

Phoenix roebelenii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Phoenix
Species: P. roebelenii
Binomial name
Phoenix roebelenii
O'Brien

Phoenix roebelenii, with common names of pygmy date palm, miniature date palm or just robellini, is a species of date palm native to southeastern Asia, from southwestern China (Yunnan Province), northern Laos and northern Vietnam, (in Dien Bien Province, Ha Giang Province, Cao Bang Province, Lang Son Province).[1][2] The name is sometimes mistakenly cited as roebelinii.

Description

Phoenix roebelenii is a small to medium-sized, slow-growing slender tree growing to 2–3 metres (6.6–9.8 ft) tall. The leaves are 60–120 cm (24–47 in) long, pinnate, with around 100 leaflets arranged in a single plane (unlike the related P. loureiroi where the leaflets are in two planes). Each leaflet is 15–25 cm (6–10 in)15–25 cm long and 1 cm broad, slightly drooping, and grey-green in colour with scurfy pubescence below.

The flowers are small, yellowish, produced on a 45 cm (18 in) inflorescence. The fruit is an edible 1 cm drupe resembling a small, thin-fleshed date.[3]

Cultivation and uses

Phoenix roebelenii, is a popular ornamental plant in gardens in tropical and subtropical climate areas. With a minimum temperature requirement of 26 Fahrenheit (-3 Celsius). in cooler areas it is grown under glass or as a houseplant.[4] It needs little pruning to develop a strong structure, is resistant to pests, is tolerant to soil variation, and is moderately drought tolerant. The plant grows in partial shade to full sun, with the local climate determining where to plant.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[5]

References

  1. ↑ WCSP, World Checklist of Arecaceae: Phoenix roebelenii
  2. ↑ Germplasm Resources Information Network: Phoenix roebelenii
  3. ↑ Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.
  4. ↑ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  5. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Phoenix roebelenii". Retrieved 28 June 2013.
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